Age Scotland has said that banks working together could help elderly people and others who are worst affected by branch closures
Creating banking hubs could help ensure older people can continue to seek financial help.
Age Scotland has recommended properties shared by a number of banks could help those who would be most affected if their local branch closes.
The recommendation follows a report by the Scottish Parliament’s economy committee which shows what impact bank closures could have on communities across Scotland.
The number of bank branches in Scotland fell by a third between 2010 and 2017, with five banks closing 488 branches.
The report concludes that closures had left many communities and businesses feeling abandoned.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said banks had to come up with bold ideas rather than opting to close branches at short notice.
“Our recommended solution to bank closures is having shared brand branches for smaller communities, suburbs and rural areas,” he said.
“This also includes shared brand mobile branches that have reliable telecommunications, are designed appropriately for all customers including those with disabilities and all weathers and are open for a sufficient amount of time at each location to support people with limit mobility.
“As well as an increasingly ageing Scottish population, the number of people living with dementia is predicted to rise in the next 20 years to 120,000. Creating dementia and age-friendly services support is important in the future-proofing of banking in Scotland.”
