Subscribe to trusted local news
If you are accessing this story via Facebook but you are a subscriber then you will be unable to access the story. Facebook wants you to stay and read in the app and your login details are not shared with Facebook. If you experience problems with accessing the news but have subscribed, please contact subscriptions@thestrayferret.co.uk. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
22
Jun
£1.2 million fund launched to tackle 'banking deserts' in North Yorkshire
The mayor of York and North Yorkshire has announced £1.2 million to tackle the growing problem of “banking deserts” across the county.
Communities are being invited to submit proposals to the fund which reintroduce or enhance physical banking provision.
The move follows years of bank closures which have left numerous communities without a single high street branch.
Ripon has one bank left, Knaresborough has none and last week the Stray Ferret revealed Lloyds will close its Harrogate branch.
Stokesley recently secured a new banking hub following a successful community campaign after all its banks closed.
Cash access company LINK reversed an earlier decision after reviewing local evidence and confirmed the town would receive a shared banking hub offering cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments and face-to-face banking support for customers of all major banks.
The hub will become the fifth in North Yorkshire, joining existing facilities in Filey, Knaresborough, Richmond and Whitby.
Labour mayor David Skaith said the fund had been launched to tackle the problem of “banking deserts”.
He added:
Having access to banking services is still incredibly important for many people, businesses and communities across York and North Yorkshire.
The continued closure of bank branches has left many residents with fewer options for managing their finances, while local businesses still need access to face-to-face banking services to operate effectively.
Keeping these services available isn’t just about banking – it’s about supporting local businesses, helping our high streets succeed, and making sure our communities can continue to thrive.
Fiona Whittet, a councillor in Bentham and financial adviser, with mayor David Skaith.
The fund is targeted at locations where evidence shows the greatest need, including Bentham, Catterick Garrison and Colburn, Filey, Haxby, Leyburn, Settle, Tadcaster and Whitby.
Applications to the new fund are open to individual organisations and partnerships, with collaboration between financial service providers and community organisations strongly encouraged.
Projects offering wider community benefits, such as financial well-being support and business engagement activities, are also encouraged.
Applications close on September 30, 2026.
Visit here for more information.
1