Ross secures Bank of Scotland meeting over mobile banking service cuts
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross is to meet with the Bank of Scotland over plans to remove mobile banking services from across his constituency this year.
Mr Ross – who slammed the plans to stop mobile banking services in six Moray communities when they emerged recently – had requested an urgent meeting with the bank to voice his concerns.
They have now responded, confirming they are “very happy” to meet with him to discuss the closures, which will occur in Keith, Lossiemouth, Burghead, Fochabers, Aberlour and Cullen.
A date is now being agreed to meet with them and explain the “deeply damaging” impact on elderly and vulnerable customers in Moray in particular, who do not typically use mobile or online banking.
Mr Ross said: “I am pleased that the Bank of Scotland have responded positively to my request for an urgent meeting following the announcement of their plans to remove mobile banking services across Moray.
“Many constituents were shocked and are deeply concerned about the removal of the mobile service from the Bank of Scotland.
“I want to relay those concerns in this meeting with senior officials at the Bank of Scotland. Our rural and remote communities continue to be hammered by bank closures at an alarming rate.
“Elderly and vulnerable constituents rely on mobile branches visiting Moray as they simply do not use online or mobile banking.
“While I understand that the way people bank is changing, I want to make it clear to the Bank of Scotland in our upcoming meeting that that simply isn’t the reality for everyone across my constituency and they should seek to continue a level of service to this individuals and businesses who would choose to use a mobile branch.”
Speaking at the time the service cuts were announced, a Bank of Scotland spokesperson said that it was scrapping the mobile service following an "in-depth review".
They added: "We’ve been looking at how customers are using our mobile branches. Many are using them less and choosing other ways to bank instead.
"Because of this we’ve made the decision to end this service. This includes all the stops on this route.
"We’re still here to support you and there’s a number of ways you can do your everyday banking with us – online, on your mobile, over the phone or at a post office. You can also use a branch."
