On Wednesday 14 June, Jonathan Gullis MP will host a Westminster Hall Debate in the House of Commons on bank closures in his constituency.
Mr Gullis applied for the debate following the recent announcement that the Barclays branch in Kidsgrove will close on 11 August this year, leaving the town of Kidsgrove without a bank branch. The closure of Barclays in Kidsgrove will come as a particular shock to older residents and more vulnerable residents who find navigating the complex online banking apps particularity difficult.
Jonathan has spoken to local residents since Barclays’ announcement, and they have highlighted their anger at the proposed closures. One constituent wrote to Mr Gullis and said that their parents find the automated telephone system “confusing and difficult to hear” and that they want to “be able to go into a branch and speak to someone”. Another constituent of Mr Gullis argued that that they are “appalled at the announcement of closing the only bank in Kidsgrove” and that it will “will leave many people without any access to their own money... putting the elderly at a greater risk of being scammed”.
Therefore, this debate will raise crucial awareness on the matter ahead of the bank’s proposed closure in August. Jonathan has launched a petition that aims to demonstrate the strength of feeling locally that has already gained nearly four hundred signatures.
Commenting, Jonathan Gullis MP said:
“Given banks like Barclays in Kidsgrove play such vital role in local communities, I am pleased to have secured a Westminster Hall debate to raise awareness on bank closures in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke.
Not only would Barclays’ decision leave Kidsgrove without a bank, which has a disproportionate on affect the most vulnerable in society, it will have a negative impact on driving people to businesses in the community.
Therefore, I hope that my debate next week will demonstrate to Barclays the far-reaching consequences of their decision”