The Government says it is increasingly concerned that elderly customers, vulnerable people and those living in rural areas could be left struggling to access essential banking services as more people move online.

Treasury minister Lucy Rigby has now commissioned an independent review into face-to-face banking access amid fears some towns are being “left behind”.

The move comes as several major banks continue shutting branches across Britain at a rapid pace.

According to TotallyMoney chief executive Alastair Douglas, Santander is set to close 44 branches this year, while NatWest plans to shut 32.

He also warned Lloyds Banking Group – including Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland – is expected to close at least 168 branches over the next two years.

Douglas said: “Banks have a duty of care to support their customers, and even though digital services are becoming increasingly popular, the real concern is for the elderly and vulnerable – many of who rely on both cash and real-life support.”

The independent review will examine the real-world consequences of branch closures, identify which groups are hardest hit and consider whether ministers should intervene with new laws to protect in-person banking services.

It follows the announcement of the new Financial Services and Markets Bill in the King’s Speech, which could hand ministers fresh powers to step in where communities are losing access to banking.

Rigby said banking services remained “a really important part of lives and communities”.

She added: “We are supporting industry’s roll out of banking hubs, but we also need a clear picture of where communities are still losing out.”

The Government is already backing the expansion of so-called banking hubs – shared spaces where customers from multiple banks can access cash and basic face-to-face services.

More than 230 hubs have already opened nationwide, with over 275 announced as part of plans to reach 350 before the end of Parliament.

According to Cash Access UK, which oversees the hubs, 95 per cent of customer needs are met through the service.

But critics argue hubs are not always enough to replace full-service branches – particularly in isolated areas where residents may already struggle with transport links and digital access.

Richard Lloyd, who will chair the review, said it was essential to understand the impact the “big shift to digital services” was having on communities across the UK.

Meanwhile, Douglas urged customers worried about losing their local branch to check alternatives or consider switching banks altogether.

“If you’re worried about your branch closing, then visit your bank’s website – they’ll have details about the closest available branch, or local banking hubs,” he said.

“Now might also be a good time to think about switching to a different provider.”

Douglas also pointed to cash incentives currently being offered by banks to attract new customers.

“Loyalty doesn’t pay, but six banks are offering up to £250 for you to switch, with added bonuses of cashback, 0% overdrafts, and inflation-beating savings accounts,” he added.

“And moving might be easier than you think – with the Current Account Switch Service automatically shifting your regular payments and balance within seven working days.”

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The Government also confirmed plans to make it easier for credit unions to expand, saying the changes would help more people access affordable loans and safe savings services during a time of continued financial pressure.

Industry groups welcomed the review, with the Building Societies Association warning many consumers still rely heavily on local banking services despite the rise of digital banking.

The review is expected to gather evidence from consumers, banks, businesses and local communities before delivering recommendations next year.

Chipping Norton’s new Specsavers store, the 1,010th in the UK, was officially opened on May 8 with a launch event featuring Gerald Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm and Instagram gardening sensation Gerald Stratford famed for his giant veg.

Guests were treated to sweet and savoury refreshments, including slices of a celebratory cake.

Sundeep Rana, optical director at Specsavers Chipping Norton, said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we received as part of the official opening.

“It was fantastic to celebrate all of the hard work that has gone into getting the store ready to open.

“Making sure we are supporting and playing a part in the local community is something that is extremely important to us.

“Yes, we want to provide the very best eye and ear care service, but making sure we are giving back is also part of who we are as a business.”

The team at Specsavers Chipping Norton (Image: Specsavers)

The new store is operated by optical directors Mr Rana, Trevor Robinson, and Cathy Mullen, alongside audiology director Sebastian de Scarfo.

The store team has close community ties and sponsors Chipping Norton & District Cricket Club and Chipping Norton Swifts FC.

Representatives from both clubs, as well as charity partner Age UK, were invited to the launch event.

To mark the opening, the team donated £2,000 to Prostate Cancer UK.

Mr Rana, Ms Mullen, and Mr Robinson also run Specsavers Witney and collectively have more than 80 years’ experience in optical care.

Mr Robinson, optical director, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to our launch.

“It felt like the culmination of lots of work behind the scenes, and to have so much support shown to us and the whole team was just brilliant.

“Now we’re looking forward to making sure we look after all the eye and ear care needs of the community as well as continuing to support the local causes and initiatives that are important to us.”

The store offers audiology appointments seven days a week in addition to its full range of eyecare services.

It also hosts a monthly ‘Chatterbox’ event at Lower Town Hall on the second Tuesday of each month in partnership with Age UK.

Specsavers Chipping Norton at 19 High Street, is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Appointments can be booked by calling 01608 691280, visiting www.specasvers.co.uk/stores/chippingnorton, or by popping into the store in person.

The pledge comes as part of Dalcour Maclaren’s newly published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact Report 2025-26, which outlines progress to date and maps out further sustainability targets.

One highlight of the report is the company’s transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all offices under its control.

Francesca Herratt, chief financial officer at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “ESG is embedded in how we operate and how we make decisions.

“This report sets out where we are today – not just where we aspire to be – and establishes a clear baseline against which we will track progress year-on-year.”

Additional achievements include zero Scope 1 emissions, an 18 per cent reduction in energy use intensity, and the introduction of decarbonised heating systems.

The company has also enhanced its carbon measurement processes by establishing a baseline for business travel emissions.

Social impact is another focus, with a gender-balanced workforce and 23 per cent of employees in early career or ‘Earn and Learn’ roles.

Its employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) stands at +43, placing it in the upper tier globally.

On governance, the company has implemented a formal ESG framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and holds five ISO certifications.

James Neil, chief executive at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Our ESG focus is more important than ever at DM, and our aim is to be leading this in our industry, working closely with our clients so that we achieve our shared goals.”