Finance

NatWest pledges no more Welsh branch closures until 2029 after wave of shutdowns

Published

6 seconds ago

June 7, 2026

Bank promises investment in face-to-face banking as Pembrokeshire communities reflect on years of lost local branches

NATWEST has pledged not to announce any further branch closures across Wales until at least 2029, bringing to an end years of banking shutdowns that have dramatically reshaped access to face-to-face services in communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The banking giant confirmed on Friday (June 5) that it will make no further closure announcements in Wales or the rest of the UK for at least three years, while investing £50 million into modernising and upgrading its branch network over the next 18 months.

The announcement comes after widespread criticism over the loss of local banking services, particularly in rural communities where residents and businesses have struggled with reduced access to cash and in-person support.

NatWest said the move marks the conclusion of its current programme of branch changes, although two final Welsh branches — Llanelli and Port Talbot — are still set to close in September.

The bank said counter transactions had fallen by 53 per cent in Port Talbot and 74 per cent in Llanelli between January 2020 and January 2026, although that period included Covid restrictions and changes to customer behaviour during and after the pandemic.

A changing banking landscape

NatWest says 95 per cent of customers now use digital services for day-to-day banking, but insisted face-to-face support remains vital for important life events and more complex financial matters.

The bank said investment over the next two years will include branch refurbishments, relocations and potential new branches where customer demand justifies it.

The bank also plans to expand its mobile branch network across Wales, increasing community stops and access to in-person services in areas no longer served by permanent branches.

NatWest says its Welsh mobile banking service currently covers around 2,550 miles every week and is expected to serve approximately 18,000 customers during 2026.

Solange Chamberlain, Chief Executive of Retail Banking at NatWest Group, said: “This is an important moment for our customers and the communities we serve.

“We are investing to offer customers a seamless mix of ways to bank with us including over the phone, digitally, or via our free-to-use ATM network — while continuing to support those who prefer face-to-face banking in branches and community banking hubs.”

Pembrokeshire branch closures

Pembrokeshire has already experienced a major reduction in NatWest’s branch network.

In 2018, NatWest closed branches in Pembroke, Cardigan, Milford Haven and Narberth, leaving Haverfordwest as the county’s only remaining branch.

The closures took place over a six-week period, with Pembroke shutting on May 21, Cardigan on May 30, Milford Haven on June 21 and Narberth on June 28.

At the time, concerns were raised by residents, business owners and campaigners who warned that elderly customers, those without reliable internet access and rural communities would be disproportionately affected.

Cash-handling businesses also expressed concern about longer travel distances for deposits and banking services.

NatWest defended the closures by pointing to changing customer habits and growing use of online and mobile banking.

The Haverfordwest branch has since remained open and was recently refurbished as part of NatWest’s investment programme in Wales.

Face-to-face banking still valued

Despite the shift toward digital banking, banking campaigners have long argued that branches remain essential in market towns and rural communities such as those found across west Wales.

The Herald understands concerns about access to banking services remain particularly strong in Pembrokeshire, where public transport links can make travelling to larger towns difficult for older residents.

NatWest said customers affected by the remaining Welsh closures will continue to have access to services through Post Offices, banking hubs and nearby branches.

The bank said it would continue to invest in financial support programmes, including financial health checks, school visits and workplace education designed to improve confidence in money management.

For many in Pembrokeshire, however, the pledge may be viewed less as expansion and more as a long-awaited pause after years of retreat from the high street.

Finance

Insurance customers borrowing more as cost-of-living pressure bites

Published

5 days ago

June 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

INSURANCE customers are borrowing more than £500 a year on average to cover the cost of their premiums, new research has found.

Premium Credit’s latest Insurance Index shows the average amount borrowed by customers using credit to pay for insurance has risen by 26% in a year, from £400 to £505.

The figure is also sharply higher than two years ago, when the average amount borrowed was £302.

Cost-of-living pressure

The research found that 76% of adults now use some form of credit to pay for one or more insurance policies.

More than half of those who borrowed more, 53%, said the rising cost of living was the main reason, while 26% blamed increases in insurance premiums.

However, nearly a quarter, 23%, said they had taken on more credit because monthly payments were more convenient and helped them manage their money.

Credit card use rises

Credit cards remain the most common form of borrowing used to pay insurance bills, with 55% of customers relying on them, compared with 41% last year.

Premium Credit said this could be risky because of the potentially high cost of unsecured borrowing.

The index found that 11% of those who used credit to pay for one or more insurance policies had defaulted on repayments in the past year, almost double the 6% recorded last year.

Around one in eight people questioned said they had been turned down for a credit card in the past two years.

Car and home cover

The research found credit was most commonly used to pay for car and home insurance, with 56% of adults using credit to pay each of those policies monthly.

Credit was also used to pay for life insurance by 33% of adults, pet insurance by 28%, travel insurance by 28%, health insurance by 23%, and critical illness cover by 12%.

Premium Credit said customers should consider premium finance as an alternative to credit cards or overdrafts, allowing annual policies to be paid monthly for a charge.

Mona Patel, consumer spokesperson at Premium Credit said: “Insurance customers are borrowing more to cover their insurance payments due to cost-of-living pressures rather than insurance premium increases.

“However, it is notable that substantial numbers who are borrowing more are doing so because paying for insurance monthly is more convenient and better for their general budgeting in line with how they pay for other products and services.

“Premium finance is specifically designed to help smooth out the impact of a single lump sum and improve cash flow.

“Spreading the cost of an annual policy into more convenient monthly payments works for many millions of UK consumers and businesses and it can be a good alternative to other forms of credit like credit cards or bank overdrafts.”

Financial outlook

The research also found that nearly a third of adults, 32%, expect their financial situation to worsen over the next 12 months.

Just 19% expect their finances to improve, while 38% believe they will remain unchanged.

The research was carried out by PureProfile among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 UK adults between March 13 and March 18, 2026.

Charity

Local insurance brokers help raise over £1,300 for Bluebirds Foundation

Published

3 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

The Haverfordwest County AFC Bluebirds Foundation is celebrating a £1,300 boost this month thanks to local insurance brokers Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking.

A recent fundraising day raised £653.64, which was fund matched by the insurance broker’s parent company, the Benefact Group, doubling the amount to over £1,300.

Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking St Clears are sponsors of Haverfordwest County AFC
which includes supporting the charitable arm of the club, Bluebirds Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the prevention of poverty and strengthens the bond between the
football club and local people, including launching junior supporter clubs and community
brunch clubs.
Harry Thomas, aTrustee at Bluebirds Foundation said:
“We are extremely grateful to Lloyd & Whyte for further enhancing the funds raised at
our Foundation Fundraiser, held at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in collaboration with
Haverfordwest County AFC and we look forward to working closely with Lloyd & White again at future events.”
Leyla Phillips stated:
“Events like this show what community is all about. I think it’s great what the
Bluebirds foundation are doing locally for Pembrokeshire, and it was a pleasure to be
a part of it. Being part of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking and the Benefact Group
made it even more special as we are proud to match all funds that were raised on the day which I’m sure will be a nice addition for the foundation, to enable them to carry
on doing great initiatives within our community.’’
The funday event saw bouncy castles, cake stands, a raffle, shirt swap stand, kick-up
competitions, and inflatable goal, alongside the normal match day activities, all providing
hours of fun for spectators and supporters.

And to top it all, Haverfordwest County AFC won 6-0 on the day against Llanelli Town AFC.

Education

£1,500 cash bursary announced for aspiring local youngsters

Published

3 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

FOLLOWING its previous success, Ceredigion Youth Service is fortunate to accept another opportunity provided by West Wales Holiday Cottages to support young people with a cash bursary this year.

The purpose of the bursary is to provide young people aged between 11 and 25 with the chance to receive £1,500 to help with their future aspirations. The successful applicant(s) will be chosen by Ceredigion Youth Forum, which is a panel made up of young people from Ceredigion.

Gwion Bowen, Senior Support Officer Participation, said: “We are very grateful to West Wales Holiday Cottages for providing us with this opportunity for young people in Ceredigion for the ninth year in succession. Like ourselves, West Wales Holiday Cottages recognise that many young people living in Ceredigion may experience difficulties in accessing training, support and social activities due to socio-economic issues. The bursary was extremely successful last year, with a young person gaining financial support to help them with their mobile beauty start up business.”

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: “I would like to encourage anyone aged between 11 and 25 who needs financial support to reach their goals to consider this fantastic opportunity. As with previous years, I hope that the bursary is a success again this year, and that it will benefit young people in Ceredigion.”

Lisa Stopher, Managing Director at West Wales Holiday Cottages said, “West Wales Holiday Cottages are delighted to be supporting the bursary once again in partnership with Ceredigion Youth Service. We recognise that many young people can face barriers when accessing opportunities, training and resources, and we hope this bursary will continue to make a positive difference by giving young people the support they need to pursue their goals and aspirations.”

Do you need financial support to reach your goals? Would you benefit from having financial support to help you with training or equipment that is required for your chosen vocation? Are you looking for support to start your own enterprise? Are you a member of a community group and looking for financial support to purchase resources or equipment?

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19 July 2026. If you’re interested, contact Gwion Bowen on 07790 812939 or e-mail [email protected] for an application form.