Fears disabled people in Harrogate could be cut off financially due to bank closures
A report has found 4 in 10 struggle to access their cash due to closures and difficulty navigating online banking
The are fears disable people across Harrogate district are being 'left behind' as a result of bank closures.
A report by Which? found four in ten disabled people are finding it difficult to access money as branches close and switch to online instead.
Research found banks are failing to support their disabled customers as widespread branch closures and the shift to online banking make it increasingly difficult for them to access cash and vital everyday financial services.
By the end of 2021, almost 4,300 UK branches will have closed since 2015, a 44 per cent cut in the network.
Jackie Snape, Chief Executive at Harrogate-based charity Disability Action Yorkshire, said: "It's an awful blow for disabled people to not have access to a physical bank. Some people need to go into a bank and need to talk to someone in person because they can't use digital banking.
"If you want to talk about something privately in the bank but you can't because it's closed and you need someone to help you with online banking that can be difficult and make people feel uncomfortable.
"It's the same with telephone banking quite a lot of people with hearing impairments find it difficult to talk to the bank over the phone and would rather do it in person."
In response to branch closures, banks generally point people towards digital banking. However, among disabled consumers who bank online, one in ten (11%) told Which? they find it difficult to navigate their bank’s website. One in five (18%) people find it difficult to use their bank’s security measures, rising to one in three (30%) of those with memory difficulties.
The findings also highlight issues with telephone banking as a quarter of disabled consumers in Which?’s survey (36%) said they find it difficult speaking to their bank over the phone.
In the more remote areas of Harrogate district it is becoming increasingly difficult for disabled people to access their finances as broadband and mobile connections aren't as strong as in built up areas.
Jackie, added: "To take away the bank from an area where there is a poor broadband or mobile connection it makes things really difficult because the only way they can attempt to access their funds is online but the connections aren't good enough.
"There is a way around this though. Some of the banking hubs which are being proposed could be great and very accessible but they need to consult with disabled people to see what is going to work.
"It's no use having something on paper because until a disabled person looks at it you won't know if it is actually going to be appropriate."
As a result of its research, Which? is concerned that access to banking services is being severely curtailed by the rapid rate of bank branch and ATM closures, and this is hitting the most vulnerable in society hardest.
The Financial Conduct Authority issued guidance asking banks to reconsider branch closures during lockdown, but after being on pause closures have now returned at a rapid rate, and the rush to digital payments continues to go unchecked.
Which? surveyed 1,494 Which? Connect panel members and panel members of the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers in May 2021.