TSB branch closures and financial inclusion

That this House condemns the decision of TSB Bank to close its branches in Kilbirnie, Largs and Saltcoats in North Ayrshire; recognises that this follows the closure of Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank branches across North Ayrshire and Arran; understands that local communities, particularly elderly and disabled residents, will suffer because of this decision; notes that the commitment to ensure 94 per cent of customers remain within 20 minutes travel time of a branch does not consider those without access to private vehicles; is concerned that forcing customers into lengthy journeys by public transport in order to bank places people at greater risk during a global health pandemic; believes these branch closures will adversely affect local businesses and town centres at a time when many are already struggling; further understands the impact for bank staff who may face redundancy at a time when the economy is damaged by the uncertainty of Brexit and the global health pandemic; and is extremely disappointed by the lack of action from the Government in working with high street banks to deliver banking hubs for communities and thereby ensure financial inclusion and urges TSB Bank to reconsider these closures, so that North Ayrshire and Arran communities are not deprived of the opportunity to bank locally.