Priti Patel MP, recently visited the Nationwide branch in Witham to show her support for high street banking and to discuss the importance of access to face-to-face banking services for residents and local businesses.
During the visit, Priti met with staff to hear about the importance of maintaining local banking provision, particularly for local residents, small businesses and those who rely on in-person services with Nationwide now being the only bank with a full-time presence in Witham. The discussions highlighted the role high street banks can play in supporting financial inclusion, protecting high streets and ensuring communities continue to have access to essential services.
The visit formed part of Priti Patel’s ongoing work across the Witham constituency to support local infrastructure and ensure that communities are not left behind as more services move online.
Speaking after the visit, Priti said:
“It was a pleasure to visit the Nationwide branch in Witham following their announcement to keep a full-time presence on the high street and meet with their team to discuss the importance of access to face-to-face banking which remains vital for many residents and local businesses, particularly those who are less able to rely solely on digital services.
High street banks can play an important role in supporting financial inclusion, protecting our high streets and ensuring people can continue to manage their finances with confidence. I have been very critical of those banks who have left our local community only to then provide remedial banking hubs and I will continue to support measures that help safeguard access to local banking services for communities across the Witham constituency. Witham’s growing population and diverse range of local businesses should be supported by Britain’s banks and their conduct in recent years to leave the high street has been disgraceful.”
