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A motion citing concern over the recent decision by Ulster Bank to close 10 branches was passed at last nights December meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The motion put forward by Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers also asked for a meeting to be organised with the FSU (Financial Services Union) who have launched a campaign against the proposal. Additionally the motion called for additional Euro ATM's in Newry City.
Cllr Mathers said "News that Ulster Bank will be closing 10 of its branches, resulting in the loss of 21 jobs and that Barclays will be closing their branch in Newry is a bitter blow for staff and families.
"While the trend is toward increasing digital banking, for some customers this is not convenient or possible.
“For rural communities, important services are disappearing.
“For many, including local people, businesses and communities access to cash and a local bank is crucial.
“Local bank branches provide vital services to local communities, particularly in rural areas and it’s imperative that every step is taken to maintain these services for local families, communities and businesses.”
Also speaking about the motion Newry City Councillor Doire Finn said "I also would like to share on behalf of the SDLP the concerns of the bank closures that we're seeing across our district and it is also concerning that we in Newry are set to see the closure of Barclays in February 2024. It's clear that closing branches won't only result in the loss of jobs but also reduce personal banking services for communities, businesses and those who really need it the most. "
Cllr Finn asked for an amendment to the motion "I do believe that there are some further actions that we might be able to take particularly if we look towards the example of the Kilkeel Banking Hub which is set to open this week. In 2021 the banking industry agreed that following the closure of any bank branch that Link who are the UK's largest ATM network, will identify whether a community requires any further cash services and on that I would like to suggest if Cllr Mathers would be amenable to it that we amend the motion just slightly to say that we contact Link and the Consumer Council to look at the assessment of cash services and the need for Euro ATM's " Councillor Mathers agreed to the amendment.
Mournes Councillor Glynn Hanna spoke of the new Banking Hub opening in Kilkeel this week "Banking Hubs for the likes of Kilkeel is a big way forward for those who are not savvy on their IT with computers. Since it's became clear in Kilkeel that we are getting it everybody's looking forward to it."
Notice of Motion
This Council notes its concern with Ulster Banks decision to close another ten of its branches resulting in the loss of 21 jobs and removal of access to cash and face to face services; acknowledges that the move towards increased digitalisation will make it harder for small businesses to access finance and for people to access cash, advice and ATM services; recognises the worrying trend that 52 branches across various banks have closed in the last three years; and calls on this Council to invite the Financial Services Unions (FSU) to make a presentation to the chamber regarding its campaign calling for Ulster Bank to reverse these closures, protect jobs and maintain its branch network; and supports efforts that would protect our local communities and prevent further branch closures in the next few years.
The Council recognises that a considerable number of workers travel across the border to work in our local economy in Newry and surrounding areas; We acknowledge the frustration that these workers have with there being only one ATM in Newry that dispenses their wages in Euros; This Council will write to the main banks and ATM providers to request that additional euro dispensing ATMs are provided in the city and further calls on an incoming Executive to set up a banking forum to look at the wider issue of access to cash and banking services.
