House of Commons – May 19, 2016

That this House expresses deep concern at HSBC's decision to close branches in Tottenham, Shenfield, Mitcham, Morden, East Dulwich, Waltham Abbey, Epping, Wickford, Welling, East Sheen, Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington, Stanmore, Worcester Park, Chigwell, Whetstone, Southfields, Mill Hill, Yiewsley, Gidea Park, Deptford, Wanstead, Chislehurst, Willesden Green, Harlesden, Clapham, Southall, Temple Fortune, Clerkenwell, Enfield, Ware, Tring, Chelsea, Tottenham Court Road, Cheam, Woodford, Edmonton, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and Caterham between January and April 2016; expresses further concern that HSBC failed to consult with hon. Members, council leaders and the communities affected before announcing these closures; laments the loss of local banking that these closures will cause to many communities; notes that being able to access counter services at a branch while interacting face-to-face with staff is a service valued by many customers; further notes that some of these branches have served their local communities for almost a century; notes that local customers have demonstrated a significant degree of loyalty to these branches over many years; notes that banks must take customer interests into account when taking decisions that will affect their customers; regrets the particularly negative impact that these branch closures will have on local businesses and elderly, vulnerable and disabled customers who may struggle to travel to other branches; and urges HSBC to hold an urgent review of its decision to close these branches in order to consult with the local communities involved prior to making a final decision.