Four new banking hubs are to open across Northern Ireland as part of a move by LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network.
Comber, Newcastle and Warrenpoint in Co Down along with Portrush in Co Antrim have all been recommended for new hubs following community requests from the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI).
CCNI worked in partnership with LINK to ensure local conditions were fully considered and that the national criteria were applied correctly to Northern Ireland.
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In 2021, the banking industry agreed that following the closure of any bank branch, LINK will identify whether a community requires further cash services. Additionally, any community without a branch can contact LINK directly and ask to be assessed for support.
To date, LINK has recommended 94 banking hubs across the UK including one in Kilkeel, Co Down, which is set to open in December. Ten hubs are already up and running across the rest of the country.
Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone.
The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
The banking hubs will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local communities and to start looking for potential sites. They are likely to open in 2024.
Nick Quin, Head of Financial Inclusion, LINK said: “More people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally; however, cash and face-to-face banking remains vital for millions of people.
“We’re pleased to be recommending these new hubs across Northern Ireland. They will make a difference for customers and mean people won’t need to travel to do everyday transactions.
“If any community believes it needs additional services such as a cash machine or banking hub, they can contact LINK directly and we can assess their local community to see if we can help.”
Scott Kennerley, Director of Consumer Empowerment with the Consumer Council Northern Ireland added: “We are delighted that LINK is recommending these new banking hubs across Northern Ireland.
“We know from our research that many consumers here prefer to use cash and are still reliant on having access to a bank branch. We have worked closely with LINK to highlight the needs of consumers in Northern Ireland so to get this result for consumers is a great development.”
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What is a banking hub?
A banking hub is a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch but available to everyone. The hubs currently consist of a counter service that will be operated by Post Office staff, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to someone from their own bank about more complex issues. The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
What services will the hubs provide?
Banking hubs will offer basic counter services, allowing people to withdraw cash, collect change, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. Automated services for deposits and withdrawals may also be available.
On alternating days, bank staff from specific banks will be available so people can speak to their own bank about problems or other banking issues they may need help with.
What other services are available to people who need access to cash?
As well as the banking hubs, communities large and small, in every part of the UK need access to cash. There are a range of existing services that are being expanded or others that have been recently launched, including:
- Free ATMs
- Post Office counter services
- Free deposit/SME business services
- Cashback without purchase
Which banks are involved?
All the main high street banks are part of this work – and many bank customers will be able to use the counter service at the hubs and get advice, support and information about banking matters. The banks involved are:
- Bank of Ireland UK
- Barclays
- Danske Bank
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- NatWest
- Santander
- TSB
- Virgin Money
Who will staff the banking hubs and how will they be sourced/trained?
Banks will ensure staff are available to work in the hubs on specific days of the week so people will be able to check when their own bank staff will be in the branch and can go in and speak to them.
Anyone will be able to use the Post Office-staffed counter services any day that the hub is open.
People using the hubs will be able to speak to fully trained and experienced staff from each bank who will be able to provide support and banking advice.
Will the staff be able to help resolve problems and complaints?
Bank staff will be able to offer advice and support in the banking hubs and direct people to the departments that can sort out problems or resolve any complaints.
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