Bradford: Council should back residents' requests for banking hubs

Banking Hubs are spaces shared by High Street lenders

More support should be given to people lobbying for a banking hub in their community, councillors have said.

Banking hubs are spaces shared by several different High Street lenders to help people in areas where all the bank branches have closed.

Liberal Democrat Alun Griffiths put forward a motion to Bradford Council, calling for requests for hubs to their operator, Link, to be supported.

He previously campaigned against the closure of NatWest in Greengates.

Mr Griffiths said in the motion: "Access to face-to-face banking services and cash facilities is important for many of our residents, especially those who are vulnerable or digitally excluded, and for charities, small businesses and voluntary organisations."

Councillor Alun Griffiths (right) previously campaigned against bank closures

He said closures of Post Office and bank branches was making the situation worse.

His proposal urges the council to "support residents who are lobbying for a banking hub in their community by making appropriate representations to Link, who are responsible for assessing the need."

He also asked for the council to identify assets that would be suitable as the locations of banking hubs as part of its disposal strategy.

Link determines if a community needs a banking hub, which are delivered by not-for-profit firm Cash Access UK, which is owned by nine major banks.

Councillors were set to vote on the motion at a full council meeting on Tuesday.