Ross highlights Moray bank closures at Westminster
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DOUGLAS Ross read out a list of all 16 bank branches which have closed in Moray since 2016 during a debate he secured at Westminster yesterday.
Moray's MP stated the banks had to do more to prevent leaving their customers high and dry, as was the case in Lossiemouth at the weekend when the town's ATMs ran out of cash.
Mr Ross continued: "Banks say they have their reasons including falling footfall and more people using online banking, but people continue to need banks for face to face interaction.
"If they listened to their customers the banks would know this.
"For many banks their engagement and so-called consultation processes are deeply flawed and, arguably, a waste of time.
"I’ve held two public meetings in Moray about this and on both occasions, communities and local representatives outlined the needs for local branches to be retained. But the banks wouldn’t engage and didn’t seem to care.
"It is shocking and unacceptable behaviour.
"Not everyone has access to good broadband or a decent mobile signal, to be able to use online banking, particularly in a rural community.
"And not everyone, particularly elderly or vulnerable customers want to bank in this way.
"The loss of these facilities can also be deeply damaging to local economies and to small businesses as well. Tourism will suffer as a result of these closures as often smaller shops, takeaways and taxi firms don’t accept card payment. For them, these closures are devastating."
Between 2010 - 2018 in Scotland the RBS reduced its number of branches by 70%, Clydesdale by 53% and Santander by 42%.
Talking about the mobile banks which replace the closed branches, Mr Ross said: "Some communities are lucky if they get the mobile bank for one hour a week."
John Glen, Executive Secretary to the Treasury, replied that he would raise the issues with the Lending Standards Board which oversees the baking sector.
He said: "The case about cash machines in Lossiemouth running out of cash this weekend is deeply concerning and alarming.
"I want to use this as an example to present to banks and the industry as we seek a solution."
