Royal Bank closures under microscope
The impacts of the swingeing RBS branch closures across rural Scotland – including Strathspey – is under the spotlight this week.
The Westminster Scottish Affairs Committee took evidence from Scottish Rural Action researchers today (January 17).
A spokesman for SRA told the Strathy: "SRA has undertaken a survey of rural Scots who will be affected by these closures, and are now making these findings public.
"Over 1,100 individuals responded to our research and communities feel particularly let down by the RBS closures, especially where this is the last bank in town.
"It feels like those communities, and therefore rural Scotland as a whole, is being told it does not matter."
Reaction is clear that the alternatives offered by the Royal Bank of Scotland – online banking, Post Office services and mobile banking – are "not good do not provide sufficient breadth of service or accessibility to meet the needs of the community."
The survey has indicated that the closures, predominantly in rural areas, discriminate against rural communities, vulnerable people, small businesses and demonstrate "a complete lack of care and compassion on the behalf of RBS."
Selected statistics:
95% of people affected by the closures are in no doubt that the closures should not go ahead
55% of people are concerned about increased isolation
64% concerned that they will not be able to deposit/access cash
19% concerned about the impact on tourism
22% concerned about the impact on population
7% felt online banking was a viable alternative that met their needs
10% felt Post Office services were a viable alternative that met their needs
13% felt that mobile van bank services were a viable alternative that met their needs
38% of people affected by the closures, have already been affected by closures in the past.
Emma Cooper, chief executive of Scottish Rural Action said: "The proposed branch closures will have a huge impact on Scotland’s rural communities, our high streets, tourism and will impact most severely on the vulnerable. We know that 10% of people will never be able to access online banking, and many of those people will struggle to use alternative services.
"RBS is not the only bank that has been closing branches, but many of these closures will the last branch in town closing, leaving communities and business owners with no local alternatives."
