Local
MP Alan Mak is continuing his campaign for a Banking Hub in
Emsworth.
He spoke in Parliament during a debate on the need for
face-to-face banking in rural and coastal areas.
Mr Mak said: "The last Conservative Government
legislated to protect access to cash, but I think we now all
recognise the need to legislate for access to face-to-face
banking."
After several years of campaigning by Mr Mak with the
support of residents, a new Banking Hub in Havant is now
open for business.
It means people in Havant and the surrounding area have
access to a range of services from major banks including
Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax and NatWest.
The new shared Banking Hub provides a counter service for
deposits, withdrawals and paying utility bills.
There is also a community banker service where customers are
able to speak face-to-face with their own bank about more
complex matters on the day their bank is in the Hub.
Mr Mak is proposing a new law to expand Britain’s network of
Banking Hubs so that customers have more access to
face-to-face banking services.
His In-Person Banking Services Bill would help areas such as
Emsworth, where there are no physical bank branches left, to
get their own Banking Hubs.
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.
His aim is to ensure every town or village with a population
over 10,000 is eligible for face-to-face banking services
via a Banking Hub.
Mr
Mak said: "Access to in-person banking services and cash is
vital for people who find online banking or digital
technology daunting.
"That's why I'm proposing a new law that would enable
Emsworth and communities across the country to have their
own Banking Hubs."
Office of Alan Mak MP 10th
September2026
