Just under a fortnight ago, Barclays in Farnham shut its doors for the final time. That closure means that across my entire constituency, home to more than 100,000 people, only one bank branch remains open - Santander. As a building society, Nationwide still serves the community, but traditional face-to-face banking is vanishing from our high streets.

This may seem an inevitable consequence of the digital age. Online banking has made it easier than ever to transfer money, pay bills and manage accounts from the comfort of home. But not everyone can do their banking online. I’ve been speaking to many small business owners and local charities that still need to deposit cash and cheques regularly. Elderly residents, some of whom are uncomfortable with online banking, rely on in-person services for financial advice and security.

Across the UK, 5,800 bank and building society branches have disappeared since 2015. Here in our community, that reality is all too clear. Whitehill and Bordon residents have been without a branch since 2017 and those in our villages feel abandoned by banks that once prided themselves on serving the community. What was once a high street staple has become a rarity.

To address this, we have seen the introduction of ‘Banking Hubs’ – shared facilities where customers of different banks can access essential services. We have one in Haslemere, and I welcome the news that Whitehill & Bordon will benefit from a temporary Hub in The Shed soon before a permanent location is found.

As I said in the House of Commons last week, the Government’s promise to open an additional 350 will likely not outpace bank closures across the county. As it stands, only 100 Hubs exist in the UK, while thousands of communities are being left without adequate provision. Labour’s plans simply aren’t good enough.

The reality is that some residents in our area, particularly older individuals and those in rural communities, are being forced into a system that doesn’t work for them. A strong banking network is essential for maintaining thriving high streets, supporting small businesses, and ensuring financial security for all.

I have raised this issue in Parliament and will continue pressing for urgent action. Banks have a responsibility to their customers, and the government must ensure communities aren’t left behind. We need a clear commitment to expanding banking hubs, exploring mobile banking solutions and safeguarding access to cash.

As we move further into the digital age, we must ensure no one is excluded. High street banking may be evolving, but it shouldn’t disappear altogether. If the major banks won’t stand by our communities, then we must demand better alternatives.

I will continue fighting to ensure that Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and all our local communities get the services they deserve.