Feryal Clark MP launces public consultation on access to cash and banking facilities in Enfield North

Despite the continuing movement to a cashless society many small, local, independent businesses, still rely on cash, alongside many people, particularly older people, who struggle to access online banking and need physical banking support.

Following the closure of two bank branches on Hertford Road, in Barclays and Santander, over the last 12 months, residents and businesses in the eastern part of Enfield North are finding it consistently more difficult to access cash and the personal support they need to manage their money.

Whilst I understand the needs for banks to keep up with developments in digital technology and embrace all the latest trends, they still hold a degree of social responsibility towards the communities they have served.

No one should feel penalised or ignored for not having the technology required to access the latest developments in online banking.

This continuing pattern of key resources being taken away from the more deprived areas of our community will build up further barriers in Enfield North, and further entrench the socio-economic divides we see across the borough.

What I want to see, are community banking and cash access facilities which work for our local community and provide the resource and support that people feel they need.

Therefore, I am launching an open consultation for local residents in the Hertford Road area to share their views and experiences and let me know what kind of facilities they want to see in their local area.

If you want to make your voice heard, please fill in the survey in the link below to help shape this campaign: http://bit.ly/CashAndBankingAccessSurvey.