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RBS to axe 44 UK branches

Adam Williams
Written By:
Adam Williams
Posted:
Updated:
05/12/2014

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is to close 44 branches across the UK amid warnings the move will harm vulnerable customers and local communities.

RBS defended the move and said the branches being axed were poorly used and many opened for a limited number of days and hours.

Campaigners said 14 of these branches were the “last banks in town” and the move was not in the best interests of customers.

The bank had promised in 2010 that it would not close these types of branches but has since reneged on its pledge, stating more banking is now done online and through other means.

Move your Money campaign director Charlotte Webster said the organisation was letting customers down and urged people to switch providers.

“RBS has consistently undermined the interests of its customers and wider society since being bailed out in 2008,” she said.

“Not only has the bank lost the entire £45bn that it was bailed out with by the taxpayer, it’s also driven businesses into the ground for its own profit. On top of this it has conceded significant liability for mis-selling, by cordoning off £4.35bn in compensation.

“It’s no surprise, then, to see the bank let down its customers once again by upping sticks and leaving town – even where it’s promised not to do so. Banks of this scale just can’t be trusted to take its customers’ needs into account, even when the only reason it’s still around is because of our support.”


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