Another 44 Santander branches are closing, leaving 291 jobs hanging in the balance. It's a stark reminder of the seismic shift happening in the banking world as more and more customers embrace online banking. But here's where it gets controversial: while Santander claims this move is about meeting customer needs, ministers argue it's leaving vulnerable communities, particularly the elderly, struggling to access cash.
This latest round of closures by the Spanish-owned bank follows a trend seen across the high street. Last year, Santander announced plans to shut a quarter of its branches, impacting 750 jobs. Lloyds Bank is also in the midst of a similar downsizing, planning to close over 100 branches by March.
Santander defends its decision by highlighting that a staggering 96% of its transactions now happen digitally. They're also promising to maintain a presence through 'banking hubs' and 'Santander Local' initiatives, offering assistance in community spaces like libraries.
And this is the part most people miss: while digital banking offers convenience, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The rise of 'banking deserts,' areas devoid of physical bank branches for miles, is a growing concern. Yorkshire, for instance, has seen communities left without a bank for up to 10 miles.
'Banking hubs,' a potential solution funded by major banks and run by Post Office managers, aim to fill this gap. However, their rollout has been slow, leaving many communities in limbo.
Nationwide, despite pledging to halt branch closures in 2023, had already shut down 10% of its branches beforehand.
The full list of Santander branches facing closure, along with their proposed closing dates, is a sobering read:
- Andover, Hampshire - 12 May 2026
- Banbridge, County Down - 19 May 2026
- Bangor, County Down - 29 April 2026
- Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland - 28 April 2026
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham - 05 May 2026
- Boston, Lincolnshire - 28 April 2026
- Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan - 12 May 2026
- Bridgwater, Somerset - 29 April 2026
- Cwmbran, Gwent - 13 May 2026
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh - 12 May 2026
- Evesham, Worcestershire - 28 April 2026
- Glengormley, County Antrim - 06 May 2026
- Golders Green, London - 13 May 2026
- Gosport, Hampshire - 05 May 2026
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire - 05 May 2026
- Heswall, Merseyside - 13 May 2026
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - 05 May 2026
- Kirkintilloch, Lanarkshire - 29 April 2026
- Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire - By the end of January 2027
- Leyland, Lancashire - 06 May 2026
- Liskeard, Cornwall - 20 May 2026
- Macclesfield, Cheshire - 12 May 2026
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire - 06 May 2026
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire - 29 April 2026
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan - 06 May 2026
- Mold, Clwyd - 28 April 2026
- Newbury, Berkshire - 29 April 2026
- Newton Abbot, Devon - 19 May 2026
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire - 06 May 2026
- Ormskirk, Lancashire - By the end of January 2027
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire - 05 May 2026
- Ramsgate, Kent - 28 April 2026
- Redditch, Worcestershire - 13 May 2026
- Ringwood, Hampshire - 06 May 2026
- Scunthorpe, South Humberside - 29 April 2026
- Shirley, West Midlands - 20 May 2026
- Stafford, Staffordshire - 19 May 2026
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire - 13 May 2026
- Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire - 12 May 2026
- Tonbridge, Kent - 29 April 2026
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire - 05 May 2026
- Whitehaven, Cumbria - By the end of January 2027
- Wilmslow, Cheshire - By the end of January 2027
- Woking, Surrey - 28 April 2026
Is the shift to digital banking inevitable, or are we sacrificing accessibility for convenience? Should banks be doing more to support vulnerable customers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
