Maree Todd MSP has written an open letter to Jamie Stone MP calling for cross party support for her petition seeking a review of banking hub criteria in rural areas.
The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP launched a UK Parliament petition last month asking for changes to Financial Conduct Authority rules and LINK’s criteria to improve access to cash and expand shared banking hubs in communities across the Highlands.
Under current arrangements, larger retail centres with around 70 or more shops are prioritised when deciding where hubs are established, a system critics say overlooks small towns and villages that act as service centres for wide rural catchments.
Todd argues that the framework fails to reflect the geography of the Highlands, ageing populations and limited internet access that can leave residents at risk of financial exclusion.
Her letter to Jamie Stone MP reads in full:
“Dear Jamie,
I’m writing to ask if you will both sign and share my petition which, after passing many hoops, launched last month. It requests a review of access to cash in rural areas and requires the Financial Conduct Authority to reform its rules, and LINK’s criteria, so that more rural communities like those we represent in the Highlands can have banking hubs. It must better reflect rural issues: ageing populations; limited internet access; and geography to help stop financial exclusion.
I know that you have already met with, Lucy Rigby MP the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to ensure that the conduct of the banks is on the agenda.
Leaving the people of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross without adequate banking services is unconscionable and I’m sure you agree with that sentiment. We were both present at the opening of the Wick Banking Hub which is doing stellar work: but now is the time for us to act.
I believe that it must be in the interests of both of our overlapping constituencies to have this put before the people’s representatives in London and I believe that it will garner cross party support.
After all, the Bishop of Newcastle was highlighting last year figures from Which! magazine which cited the closing of over 6,000 bank branches across the whole of England, Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom so this is an issue which affects everyone in rural areas.
The drive towards online banking may well be fine for many, but it is not fine for the elderly, the disabled, the vulnerable or those with poor connectivity.
This is an excellent opportunity for the UK Labour Government to correct Anas Sarwar, and demonstrate that the UK Government does occasionally work for Scotland, and on a vital issue such as this, I know we agree and I look forward to working with you on it.
Kind regards,
Maree Todd”
Commenting separately, Maree Todd said:
“I am urging Jamie Stone MP to sign and share my petition as it is in the best interests of all of our constituents to have the FCA rules and LINK’s criteria reviewed.
“I’m sure Jamie agrees that it is unconscionable that our constituents will be left without access to essential banking services.
“On an issue so pressing as financial exclusion, I think it is vital that we work together to ensure the UK Labour Government understand the degree of harm that is being done to local communities.
“Both Jamie and I have seen the difference first hand that banking hubs can make to a community.
“We attended the opening of the banking hub in Wick in July 2025, which was opened after the other local branches closed.
“Let’s work together to try make this happen for other communities across our overlapping constituencies.”
“I would be grateful for as many people as possible to sign this petition.
“Every signature helps ensure the voices of the Highlands are heard loud and clear at Westminster and drives action to protect banking services.”
To sign the petition click here
With thousands of branches having closed across the UK in recent years, the debate over access to cash and local banking continues to resonate strongly in rural Scotland.
