MP and Karen Collier agree to help vulnerable constituents
John Baron MP has recently visited HSBC bank, Billericay High Street, and met with Karen Collier, Local Director, to discuss the news that HSBC UK plan to close the branch as part of a wider branch closure programme consisting of 69 branches in the UK.
John said:
“Although the branch closure is disappointing, we agreed a number of initiatives to particularly help the elderly and vulnerable customers who largely rely on in-branch services to manage their money. The bank understands that not everyone has access to or is comfortable with online services, and using public transport to access the nearest branch in Basildon is a challenge for some people.”
“The initiatives we discussed include regular ‘pop-up’ services once a month in Billericay High Street which offer face-to-face advice and help from HSBC UK staff for the next six months, which will then be reviewed with me as to the feasibility of these continuing. In addition, HSBC UK will help to ensure sufficient investment in all local Post Offices so that basic cheque and cash handling is offered to bank customers.”
“Further meetings are planned but I would like to thank Karen Collier for a very constructive meeting. We will be keeping in touch.”
Karen said:
“The way people bank is changing – something the pandemic has accelerated, and that is true both nationally and in Billericay. We will continue to support people with their more complex banking needs through our Basildon branch, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with additional tailored local support, community pop ups and continued use of the Post Office network. Rather than a one-size fits all branch approach, it’s an approach built around the way different customers are choosing to bank in different areas.”