John Cooper MP has co-sponsored a Bill in Parliament which would change the law to allow an expansion of Banking Hubs so consumers have better access to face-to-face banking services.
The In-Person Banking Services Bill was introduced in Parliament on Wednesday 29 April 2026 by former Conservative Treasury Minister Alan Mak MP and co-sponsored by John Cooper MP. The Bill extends the last Conservative Government’s banking legislation protecting access to cash by putting protection of access to face-to-face banking services into law for the first time.
Over the past decade, more than 6,000 bank branches have closed across the UK restricting access to in-person banking including in Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas and Wigtown. Other branches that have been announced for closure this year include Santander in Stranraer, which is due to close on 13th May. In response LINK, the organisation that decides where Banking Hubs can open, has carried out over 1,600 assessments in communities across the country, leading to 276 recommendations for new Banking Hubs.
However, many communities such as Wigtown and Dalbeattie never reach that stage – and miss out completely. Under current rules, communities are often deemed to have sufficient banking provision if there is access to cash, for example if there’s a Post Office or cash machine within one kilometre of the local high street. This is despite there being no access to face-to-face banking services.
Mr Mak’s Bill, co-sponsored by John Cooper MP will change the law so LINK must consider the need for access to face-to-face banking services – not just access to cash or cash machines – when deciding where Banking Hubs can open. The Bill’s long-term aim is ensuring every town or village with a population over 10,000 is eligible for face-to-face banking services through a Banking Hub.
This law change is backed by Conservative MPs from across the UK, reflecting the fact that the current law was an excellent first step but does not go far enough given the rate of bank branch closures.
The Bill is also supported by Age UK and Which? the consumer rights group.
John Cooper MP said:
Places such as Wigtown and Dalbeattie need a Banking Hub, and I’m proud to play a key role in backing a change to the law that expands eligibility for Banking Hubs in our community and across the country.
This Bill is a practical, common-sense step that would expand Banking Hubs into communities where they are needed, especially by small business owners, older people, people with disabilities, and people who are digitally or socially excluded. It builds on the success of the Conservative Party’s Banking Hubs policy, commands support across Parliament, and ensures no community is left behind as banking continues to evolve.
Alan Mak MP said:
John is a strong local champion for Dumfries and Galloway and his support for expanding Banking Hubs is a vital contribution to the campaign and reflects the views of local residents in his community.
Conservatives took the right step by creating Banking Hubs and putting access to cash into law, and that’s made a real difference. Now we must go further and put access to face-to-face banking into law, so people can speak to a staff member in-person for help and advice.
