In a significant shake-up for high-street banking, Halifax has announced the closure of 18 branches across the UK during September. This is part of a broader retrenchment by its parent company as physical banking continues its long shift toward digital channels.
Branch by Branch: Who’s Affected
The upcoming closures span a variety of communities—from large towns to suburban neighborhoods. Confirmed closures include:
- Northwich and Skegness (3 September)
- Wallasey (4 September)
- Castleford (8)
- Barrow-in-Furness and Brentwood (10)
- Epsom and Morecambe (15)
- Monmouth and Richmond (16)
- Thetford (17)
- Long Eaton (18)
- SW London branch (23)
- Rhyl (23)
- Erdington (24)
- Cirencester and Walkden (25)
Why This Matters
These closures mark a blow to communities already struggling with declining access to in-person banking. Particularly impacted are older residents, rural populations, and those with limited digital means—groups who rely heavily on branches for essential services.
Halifax assures customers there are alternatives: banking through local Post Offices, visiting mobile banking buses, or using newly introduced “super ATMs” for withdrawals, PINs, and deposits.
A National Trend of Decline
This wave is part of a long-term reduction in bank branch numbers. Over the past five years, the UK has seen over a third of its branches shut—dropping from 10,410 in 2019 to roughly 6,870 by 2024. Halifax, NatWest, Santander, and others continue aggressive cutbacks.
In response, government policies like the Access to Cash law and networks of banking hubs—often operated through Post Offices—are being expanded to preserve local access. Through these, communities can retain basic banking services even as traditional branches disappear.
Local Repercussions
- Villagers and elderly residents express concern over travel hardships and reduced face-to-face support.
- Small businesses worry about cash flow and deposits, often relying on branch access.
- Council leaders and charities warn of increased financial exclusion without careful mitigation.
What to Do If You’re Affected
- Check new services: find your nearest Post Office offering banking.
- Explore digital replacements—apps, bank websites, or switch-and-save options.
- For support, reach out to charity services or your bank’s local outreach teams.
Bottom Line: Halifax’s closures are part of an industry-wide digital pivot—but for customers, especially the digitally excluded, they represent real local loss. Adapting and supporting vulnerable groups must be priorities.
