Lloyds Banking Group is set to shut 16 branches this month, dealing another blow to Britain's high streets. The closures form part of a wider strategy, with a further 40 Lloyds branches and 15 Halifax sites scheduled to close their doors by the end of 2026.
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group has explained to Which?: "The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money. We're providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.
"Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations."
According to Which?'s data, more than 6,600 bank and building society branches have shut since January 2015, equating to roughly 53 closures per month. Multiple banks, including Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest, and Ulster Bank, have played a part in this trend, though Barclays has been hit hardest, closing 1,236 branches.
Where Lloyds branches are closing, the bank will provide assistance through 'Community Bankers'. Lloyds has an online search tool to help customers find their nearest Community Banker.
Advice on its website adds: "Community Bankers are here to help if you don't have a local branch. They offer banking services and account support. Your Community Banker will have a dedicated space in a community venue or Banking Hub.
"You can also access our services in a Banking Hub. See if there's one near you. Find your nearest Community Banker We're adding new Community Banker locations. If you can't see a Community Banker near you right now, check back later."
Those impacted by the closures might also benefit from visiting one of the Post Office's 11,684 branches, where essential banking facilities are offered. Customers can make cash withdrawals at the counter, pay in cash or cheques, and verify their account balances.
More sophisticated services, including account opening and loan applications, are unavailable. You can locate your nearest branch on the Post Office's website here.
Which Lloyds branches are closing in January?According to the Mirror, the following Lloyds branches will close this month:
For more information on Lloyds closures, visit the bank's website here.
