BANK CLOSURES IN RURAL AREAS

That this House is concerned at the number of bank branches that are being closed across rural areas; is alarmed at the large areas of rural Britain without access to a local bank branch; recognises the limitations of many of the alternatives, such as provision of mobile banking facilities, the Post Office and telephone and internet banking; believes that the provision of accessible banking is an integral part of social inclusion, with a particular impact on the elderly and small businesses; and calls on the Government to encourage the banking sector to maintain a network of bank branches in rural communities.