The UK’s cash access network, Link, has recommended 11 new banking hubs as high street banks continue to close branches across the country.

Banking hubs serve as a shared space between multiple banks offering the same services typical of traditional bank branches. They are often overseen by Post Office employees, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills, or carry out regular transactions via the counter service.

The hubs also provide private spaces to customers to see community bankers from their individual bank for more complex matters requiring expert advice or privacy.

Banks occupy the hubs on a rotational basis, with different representatives from different banks available on different days.

The UK government has committed to creating 350 banking hubs across the UK during the course of the current Parliament as more and more banks close their branches and the way people interact with traditional banking services change.

While digital banking has taken the nation by storm, the closure of many bank branches across the UK has left many people digitally excluded from key bank services, particularly older people, those from deprived backgrounds, and those in smaller towns and more remote regions.

Cash Access UK will deliver the hubs, with 186 already operating in the UK.

Link has assessed 2,209 bank branch closures in the UK since 2022, noting the increased need for community cash access.

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“Banking hubs continue to provide a key service on the high street and we’re delighted to announce these new locations,” John Howells, chief executive of Link, said.

“Millions still rely on cash day in, day out, and we’re committed to keeping cash on the high street.”

The news comes as Lloyds closes another 49 branches – affected staff have been offered roles in other branches or in a different part of the business.

The Banking Group will shut down 13 Bank of Scotland locations, as well as 26 Lloyds branches and 10 Halifax branches.

The list of Bank of Scotland locations facing a shut down are:

Bellshill, North Lanarkshire
Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway
Dingwall, Easter Ross
Erskine, Renfrewshire
Gairloch, Wester Ross
Glasgow Anniesland
Grangemouth, Falkirk
Hawick, Roxburghshire
Largs, North Ayrshire
Larkhall, South Lanarkshire
Nairn, Highlands
St Andrews, Fife
Tain, Highlands