Communities, businesses and organisations have been invited to share their views on accessing face-to-face banking services. Former Which? director and former board member of the FCA Richard Lloyd OBE, seeks views as he begins his Independent Review.

The Review, commissioned by the UK Treasury last month, is examining the impact of changes in access to in person banking services and identifying whether this is causing detriment to consumers, communities and businesses.

Click on this link for the consultation and more information: Access to Banking Services Review: Call for Evidence

The Call for Evidence will remain open for six weeks, closing on 20 July 2026.

Responses should be submitted no later than 20 July via the online Smart Survey.

Richard Lloyd OBE, Chair of Access to Banking review, said:

“Banking is an essential service needed by every consumer, community and business in the UK.

“The Access to Banking Review wants to gather the best possible up-to-date evidence of the challenges faced by those who need in-person banking services.

“This evidence will help to establish the impact of changing services, identify who is most affected, and underpin our assessment of what further action may be required.

The Call for Evidence sets out the key themes the Review is examining and is open to anyone with relevant views or experiences – including individuals who rely on in-person banking, community groups, businesses, and organisations working in financial services and inclusion.

The Review will use the evidence to assess customer needs, the scale of any detriment, and the future trajectory of in-person banking services, before making recommendations to Government in October 2026.

The Review follows the announcement of the Financial Services and Markets Bill in the King’s Speech, in which the UK Government has committed to act where necessary, including taking legislative action where the evidence supports intervention to protect access to banking services.

The Bill will also take forward some of the credit union common bond reforms announced in March, making it easier for credit unions in Great Britain to expand and broaden their membership.

The changes will see more people access affordable credit and a safe place to save. The move will strengthen community-based financial services, delivering on the manifesto pledge to grow the mutuals sector.

As part of the Bill, the UK Government is also introducing Commercial Credit Data Sharing (CCDS) to help small businesses access finance more easily. It works by requiring certain banks to share SMEs’ credit information (with their consent) with credit reference agencies, who then make this available to other lenders – helping them make better decisions and boosting competition.