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NatWest, Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland Set October Closures as Lloyds Shortens Branch Hours

Lenders point to rapid digital adoption, directing customers toward limited Post Office and banking‑hub alternatives.

Overview

  • Fresh lists published for October show widespread shutdowns across the four banking brands, with some outlets counting 97 branches and others tallying 110 sites when mobile units are included.
  • NatWest’s timetable includes closures throughout the month—such as Ringwood on October 1 and further sites including Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Chippenham, Dorchester and Bridgwater by late October.
  • Lloyds Banking Group has reduced opening times at 757 Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches from September 29, moving weekday openings to 9:30am (10am Wednesdays) and standardising earlier closing times.
  • Beyond October, Lloyds Banking Group has announced a further 49 branch closures across Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland into 2026, with staff offered alternative roles and LINK recommending 11 new banking hubs.
  • Banks say usage is shifting online—NatWest cites more than 80% of customers using digital services—while Which? reports 6,443 branches shut since 2015 and reporting notes additional withdrawals of mobile banking services, with counts varying by source.