Older people in Dumfries and Galloway are struggling to access their cash after a series of rural bank closures.
And there are fears that many now keep money stashed at home because of the lack of local facilities which leaves them at risk to scammers.
Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service chief executive Phil Stewart (right) yesterday urged banking bosses to re-think their policy on closures to protect pensioners.
He said: “Closing banks and post offices tends to disproportionately impact on the elderly who may prefer cash withdrawals and for assistance with banking transactions because they do not have access to online banking, or it causes additional stress and anxiety for them using a system that they have no experience in using.
“It is often the case in a rural area like ours that the elderly do not have the means of transport to get to a larger town or locations that have in-person banking available or at present do not wish to use their money on unnecessary travel.”
He added: “There is a real issue of the elderly holding onto cash sums that makes them vulnerable to scams or crimes of dishonesty, or they may end up accumulating unmanageable debt as they are unable to pay their bills through not knowing what to do.
“I would suggest that the banking industry needs to consider this, not just for elderly clients but for those that are equally as vulnerable, or the digitally excluded.”
A report by the Scottish Affairs Committee’s Access to Cash in Scotland this week revealed that 53 per cent of the country’s banks have closed since 2015 – the highest percentage in the UK.
Dumfries and Galloway towns have been hard hit with closures.
The Bank of Scotland is set to shut branches in Lockerbie and Kirkcudbright next month.
Previously, the Royal Bank of Scotland has closed outlets in Dumfries, Lockerbie, Annan, Langholm, Lochmaben and Gretna.
Dalbeattie has had no bank since 2017 and Castle Douglas lost its TSB branch last year.
Age Scotland has also raised concerns following the publication of the Access to Cash report.
Adam Stachura, head of communications at the charity, said: “As the cost of living rises, it is more important than ever that older people can access their money in cash form for free, whenever they need to.
“Banks must consider the needs of all their customers. They can’t just absolve themselves of responsibility and need to invest in a strong cash infrastructure across the whole country.”
And Rosie Biggin, secretary of Dumfries and Galloway Over 50s Group, said: “We are extremely concerned as many of our members do not drive, live alone and rely upon the local bank.
“Most are not online and in any event with a view to the latter they are afraid of all the current scams. And with the added problem of the reduction in local bus services the elderly population feel more and more forgotten.”
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has accused bank bosses of trying to shut facilities ahead of legislation aimed at stopping such moves.
Referring to the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Lockerbie, he said: “In my opinion the decision smacks of a cynical attempt to get round new legislation the UK Government is bringing forward shortly to protect people’s access to bank services when the last bank in a community closes.
“The big banks say they want to meet the needs of people in small towns and rural areas but all they do is close branches and tell people to go online.”
Mr Stewart, of Citizens Advice, said: “This may bring an added advantage at this time as some of these banks or building societies are offering incentives to transfer your account. If you are still stuck or unsure of what to do to contact your local citizens advice bureau for advice.”
