Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has hit out at Barclays for its decision to stop allowing customers to withdraw cash from Post Offices and is urging the bank to reconsider its position.
In 2017 the Post Office and the major UK High Street banks entered into an industry-wide agreement enabling anyone with a UK bank account to undertake a wide range of banking transactions at post offices, ensuring there are convenient, local banking facilities available for individuals and businesses in communities across the UK, even when the last bank branch has closed.
All banks, except Barclays, have now reconfirmed their commitment through a new agreement that their customers can access a range of cash and cheque banking services at Post Office branches.
Barclays have chosen to stop allowing their customers to make cash withdrawals in Post Office branches from 8th January 2020.
Disappointed by their decision, Darren has sent a letter to the Bank urging it to reconsider its position.
He said:
“I am very concerned to note that Barclays has chosen to stop allowing its customers to withdraw cash from Post Offices.
“Given the rural nature of my constituency the Post Office network is critically important for cash withdrawals, particularly in communities without access to ATM machines which are free to use and I am therefore urging Barclays to reconsider its position.”
He added: “With over 930 branches in Wales, the Post Office is ideally positioned to provide everyday banking services for individuals and businesses. Post Office branches remain at the heart of communities across the UK, including those where bank branches no longer exist. Millions of customers of UK banks rely on these vital services – I am told that more than a quarter of people (28 percent) have withdrawn cash at their local Post Office in the last year. When all other Banks have agreed to continue allowing cash withdrawals at post offices, I cannot understand why Barclays has not.”