AQW 21733/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 31/01/2025
Answered On Date: 13/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether she has had any discussions with the banking sector in relation to setting up a Banking Hub in Bangor.

Answer:

In her engagements with the banking sector, my predecessor, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, pressed on banks to protect their remaining branch network in the North and to maintain access to cash and vital banking services especially for areas impacted by bank closures, including the timely roll out of banking hubs in impacted areas.

I am therefore disappointed to learn that Halifax has announced that its branch in Bangor is due to close on 29 May 2025. I am also aware that LINK has recently completed an assessment of cash access in Bangor and recommended that no additional services, such as a banking hub, are needed at this time.

I plan to visit the Warrenpoint Banking Hub next month, where I will meet with Cash Access UK and press on the need for appropriate in-person access to banking services for those areas losing bank branches, including Bangor.