Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP, Mr Jim Fairlie, and Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Pete Wishart, have today commented on the news that Bank of Scotland will be withdrawing many of their mobile banking services across Perth and Kinross.
The news was confirmed today by Bank of Scotland and the changes will take effect from May 2024.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“This is disappointing news and a further erosion of banking services for my rural constituents.
“Whilst I note the business case put forward for the withdrawal of this service, it is important to note that often those who rely upon face-to-face banking the most are elderly or vulnerable customers.
“It is particularly unwelcome that my constituents in Errol will now have to travel almost three miles simply to use an ATM. This is, at best, hugely inconvenient but may well prove to be much more of an acute difficulty for those reliant upon public transport.
“I will be writing to Bank of Scotland to ask them to reconsider this decision and to stress the importance of in-person banking facilities.”
Mr Fairlie added:
“This is extremely disappointing news and will be a real blow for many constituents who live in the most rural parts of Perth and Kinross-shire.
“I would encourage Bank of Scotland customers who use this facility to make sure that they continue to use the mobile bank whilst it is still running, in the hope that Lloyds Banking Group may be encouraged to reconsider.
“I understand that the way people engage with banking services has changed drastically, but it is simply not the answer for all services to be withdrawn. I have been exploring the concept of banking hubs, and look forward to one opening in Crieff next year.
“I have joined my colleagues in writing to Bank of Scotland to ask them to reconsider this decision.”
Mr Wishart added:
“This is yet another devastating blow to rural Perthshire’s banking infrastructure. It’s easy to think that in 2023 facilities like these aren’t required, but last year we in the Scottish Affairs Committee found that half a million Scots are still reliant on cash.
“Bank closures also have a disproportionate impact on rural areas where residents have much further to travel to the next nearest branch. This is especially burdensome for elderly and vulnerable customers who may not have access to internet banking.
“What John Swinney, Jim Fairlie and I will now be doing is speaking to Bank of Scotland urging them to reconsider this decision, whilst encouraging our constituents to make more use of this service to highlight the need for it to continue.”
