I met with the Treasury to talk about Totnes banking hub

This week I met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby to discuss the prospect of Totnes getting a Banking Hub.

We agreed that a town like Totnes which services many outlying rural villages, has a host of independent shops and a thriving weekly market, and has an influx of visitors every summer should have access to banking services.

We also agreed that the current criteria for assessing the need for a Banking Hub which relies solely on the access to cash is insufficient and should be reviewed – there was no promise of this happening any time soon.

Unfortunately, the Minister has no sway over the decision made by LINK, but they have said they will look again at the Totnes situation and I will be meeting with LINK soon to urge them to look closely at the particulars of the town, its geography and the impact on businesses and residents – both in town and the villages around – of having no bank.

I will keep you all updated on how this meeting goes. If you have any questions, please email me at: caroline.voaden.mp@parliament.uk