I am pleased to have joined colleagues in signing a cross-party letter - coordinated by Graham Stuart MP - to the Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, calling on them to restore cheque deposit services at Post Office branches and banking hubs.
Post Office and banking hubs have been an important part of the response to an increasing number of bank closures. It is therefore vital that that they are able to sufficiently meet customer needs and demands.
Lloyds' decision is unfairly impacting its customers who rely on Post Office branches across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner for local banking services, especially since the closure of the Northwood and Ruislip branches in recent years.
Those feeling the most disadvantaged by bank closures are likely to be the same customers who rely on cheques - older and more vulnerable residents, small businesses, charities and resident groups. Not allowing them to deposit these securely at a post office seems especially unfair.
I hope to see action from the Chief Executive and a reversal of this decision.
The letter can be viewed below.
