A UK GOVERNMENT review into access to face-to-face banking services has begun, with communities, businesses and organisations being urged to submit evidence.

The independent review, chaired by former Which? director and former FCA board member Richard Lloyd OBE, will examine the impact of changes to in-person banking services across the UK.

It will look at whether branch closures and reduced access to banking services are causing harm to consumers, communities and businesses, particularly those who rely on face-to-face support.

The Call for Evidence opened today, Monday (Jun 8), and will run for six weeks, closing on July 20.

The evidence gathered will help shape recommendations to the UK Government, with final recommendations expected in October 2026.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Blake said: “Banking services matter to communities and businesses across the UK – and that includes face-to-face services.

“Whether you are responding as an individual or a business, your experience could shape the recommendations this review makes to Government.

“Where evidence shows people are being left behind, we will act – including through legislation if necessary.”

Richard Lloyd OBE said banking was “an essential service” needed by consumers, communities and businesses.

He said the review wanted to gather “the best possible up-to-date evidence” on the challenges faced by those who need in-person banking.

The review follows concerns across the UK about the loss of local bank branches, leaving many customers dependent on online services, telephone banking or limited alternatives.

The Treasury said the Government would act quickly where evidence showed intervention was needed to protect access to banking services.

Responses should be submitted by July 20 through the online Smart Survey on the review’s GOV.UK page. Those unable to use the survey can email [email protected].

PEMBROKESHIRE workers are among the higher earners in Wales, according to new research analysing full-time weekly pay across the country.

The study by CV Maker, using Office for National Statistics data from April 2025, placed Pembrokeshire eighth out of Wales’ 22 local authority areas for median gross weekly earnings.

Full-time workers in Pembrokeshire earn an average of £711.30 per week, putting the county slightly above the Welsh average of £704.

The figure also places Pembrokeshire ahead of Swansea, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Powys and Gwynedd.

By comparison, Monmouthshire was named the highest-paid area in Wales, with full-time workers earning an average of £773.50 per week. Merthyr Tydfil recorded the lowest figure, at £619.20 per week.

That means the gap between the highest and lowest-paid areas in Wales is £154.30 per week, equivalent to more than £8,000 a year.

Pembrokeshire’s average weekly earnings are £7.30 above the Welsh average, but £62.20 below Monmouthshire.

The figures also show a marked difference between Pembrokeshire and neighbouring Carmarthenshire, where full-time workers earn an average of £657.70 per week. That puts Pembrokeshire workers £53.60 per week better off on average, or around £2,787 a year.

Ceredigion sits closer to Pembrokeshire, with average weekly earnings of £675.70 — £35.60 lower than Pembrokeshire.

The research ranked the ten highest-paid areas in Wales as Monmouthshire, Newport, Flintshire, Cardiff, Bridgend, Wrexham, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and the Isle of Anglesey.

Nicky Klaasse, CEO at CV Maker, said: “These figures highlight the significant wage disparities across different regions in Wales.

“While the national average weekly earnings sit at £704, there’s a notable £154 gap between the highest and lowest-paying areas.

“For job seekers in Wales, this data provides valuable insights into where the highest earning potential might be found.”

The company said the figures were based on ONS median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees, ranked by local authority.

WELSH homeowners are being urged to check whether they qualify for government-backed support for solar panels and other energy-saving improvements as energy bills prepare to rise again.

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will rise by 13% from July 1, adding about £221 a year to the bill of a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit.

The increase means the average annual bill will rise from £1,641 to £1,862, although the actual amount paid will depend on how much energy a household uses.

Support already available

In Wales, homeowners can access help through schemes including Green Homes Wales and Nest Warm Homes.

Green Homes Wales, a Welsh Government scheme managed by the Development Bank of Wales, offers interest-free finance and funded expert support to help eligible owner-occupiers improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

More than £5m in additional funding has been confirmed for the scheme for 2026–27, following strong demand.

The support is not limited only to the lowest-income households, making it available to a broader group of homeowners considering improvements such as solar panels, insulation, heat pumps and battery storage.

England scheme still developing

Similar support in England is expected under the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan, which includes proposals for low-interest and zero-interest loans for measures such as solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, smart controls and insulation.

However, that wider loan support has not yet been rolled out in the same way as the existing Welsh scheme.

Ian Mach, director of Swansea-based Ulex Energy, said: “With energy bills rising again, now is a good time for homeowners to consider whether solar could work for them.

“Many people are unaware that funding is available beyond lower-income households, particularly through schemes such as Green Homes Wales. Meanwhile, equivalent proposals in England have yet to be launched.”

VAT relief deadline

Homeowners can also currently benefit from 0% VAT on qualifying energy-saving installations, including solar panels and battery storage.

That relief is due to remain in place until March 31, 2027, after which the rate is expected to return to 5%.

Ulex Energy, based in Swansea, provides solar and battery storage systems across South Wales and was recently named a finalist in the Wales Energy Efficiency Awards 2026.