Calls for Lloyds’s to Reconsider Ystradgynlais Bank Closure

31 Mar 2023

The Liberal Democrats have joined calls for Lloyds Bank to reconsider its decision to close its Ystradgynlais branch.

They have also started a petition here

Commenting Mid and West Wales Senedd Member Jane Dodds said:

“This decision will see yet another Powys town left without a bank. This time it isn’t even one of our smaller villages but the second largest town in the entire County with a population of over 8,000.

“This trend cannot continue, banks need to recognise they have a duty to provide in-person services. Not everyone uses online banking, particularly in rural areas like Powys.

“I will be requesting a meeting with Lloyds Bank urgently to make my views known and raise the concerns of my constituents.

Brecon & Radnorshire Parliamentary Candidate David Chadwick added:

“This is a disappointing and short-sighted decision by Lloyds that they should urgently reconsider. 

“Just last month the bank reported it had almost doubled its profits to £1.8 billion. Banks like Lloyd’s should show some loyalty to customers in rural areas who contribute to their operations.

"All these banks have diversity and inclusion policies, yet none seem to consider the elderly or digitally excluded in them.

“What is even more frustrating is both of Powys’ Conservative MPs stood against a proposed piece of legislation last December that would have protected access to cash in rural areas. Once again our local MP has failed to stand up for her Constituents and we are all feeling the impact."

ENDS

NOTES:

In December 2022, Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones and Montgomeryshire MP Craig Willaims opposed an amendment (New Clause 7) to the Financial Services and Markets Bill that would have made it so that: “the Treasury must, by regulations, make provision to guarantee a minimum level of access to free of charge cash access services for consumers across the United Kingdom.”