Lloyds to Close Five Branches Next Week as 2026 Cuts Begin

Overview

• Lewes closes Jan 19, Swadlincote Jan 20, and Hedge End, Penzance and Petersfield on Jan 21.
• The shutdowns form part of a plan to close 71 branches across Lloyds Banking Group in 2026 after 218 group closures in 2025 reported by Which?.
• The bank attributes the reductions to shifting customer behavior, noting more than 21 million people use its apps.
• Customers are signposted to basic services at over 11,500 Post Offices, cash deposits at 30,000+ PayPoint locations, and 178 banking hubs reported as open by Aug 19, 2025.
• Consumer advocates warn of effects on people without reliable internet access, and Santander, Barclays and NatWest are also cutting branch networks.