A charity has warned that closures will have an effect on older folks residing in rural and semi-rural areas the toughest, however these in cities and cities are ‘not immune’.
NatWest has introduced the closure of extra of its branches (Picture: Getty)
NatWest is to shut 32 branches throughout the UK from Could 12. These embody some closings in the identical month, in addition to in June, August, September and February 2027. The financial institution advised prospects, “Banking has modified dramatically in recent times. There’s extra demand for cell and on-line companies, permitting you to learn from a sooner and simpler strategy to financial institution.
“We perceive the closure of your native department will deliver some modifications, and we wish to ensure you are absolutely knowledgeable and supported each step of the way in which.”
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Excessive avenue banks have been criticised for an “avalanche” of financial institution closures, with Age UK suggesting that older folks will likely be negatively impacted by fewer alternatives for face-to-face banking. It added that the rollout of banking hubs is essential.
In January, money entry physique Hyperlink introduced 4 new hubs, bringing the entire it has beneficial to 250. The newly introduced banking hubs will open in 4 areas the place one other financial institution, Santander, has introduced closures, with Hyperlink’s 250th banking hub advice in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.
Checklist up upcoming NatWest closures 2026
Here’s a full checklist of NatWest branches set to shut from Could 12, as reported by the Mirror.
Closures after Could 12 the identical month
Branches closing in June
- Hemel Hempstead: 1/6/2026
- Palmers Inexperienced, London: 1/6/2026
- Aldershot: 2/6/2026
- Welwyn Backyard Metropolis: 3/6/2026
- Pontefract: 4/6/2026
- Southall: 4/6/2026
- Sheffield – Attercliffe: 8/6/2026
- South Shields: 9/6/2026
- Kirkby Lonsdale: 10/6/2026
- Boston: 11/6/2026
- Grays: 15/6/2026
- Fulham Broadway: 18/6/2026
- Liverpool Road Station: 17/6/2026
- Halifax: 18/6/2026
Branches closing in August
- Evesham: 25/8/2026
Branches closing in September
- Regent Road, London: 30/9/2026
Branches closing in February 2027
- Godalming: 23/2/2027, except a banking hub is ready up earlier, which is able to deliver this date ahead
- Herne Bay: 24/2/2027
- Sydenham: 23/2/27 or later if a banking hub remains to be to be discovered
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Age UK Charity Director, beforehand advised the Categorical: “The persevering with avalanche of financial institution department closures implies that there are significantly fewer alternatives for face-to-face banking than there have been even simply a few years in the past. Older folks residing in rural and semi-rural areas are more likely to be the toughest hit, however these in cities and cities are usually not immune.
“Our analysis discovered that greater than 4 million older folks with a checking account in Britain are usually not managing their cash on-line and so are at excessive threat of digital exclusion.”
The charity is looking for the safety of bodily banking companies for individuals who don’t, or can not financial institution on-line, and for the accelerated roll-out of shared banking hubs in areas the place financial institution branches are “quick withering away”.
Ms Abrahams added: “We applaud the banks for coming collectively to arrange shared hubs, nevertheless it’s vital that various companies are arrange speedily, particularly in these areas with the best want.”
Many aged folks favor nose to nose banking (Picture: Getty)
“Bodily areas – whether or not a financial institution or constructing society department, banking hub, or various appropriate provision – should live on so folks can nonetheless perform face-to-face duties corresponding to withdrawing and depositing money, making use of for a mortgage, arranging third occasion entry to their account or beginning bereavement proceedings.
“The disappearance of face-to-face banking dangers chopping a big minority of the older inhabitants out of an important service, making it troublesome if not inconceivable for them to handle their cash and keep their independence.”
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