Sir Julian Smith MP says the decision by Halifax to close its Skipton branch will be a "blow" to many residents who rely on face-to-face banking.
Sir Julian has expressed his disappointment following the announcement we brought you last week that the bank's High Street branch will close on 26th January 2026.
He said:
“This decision will come as a blow to many residents in Skipton, particularly older and vulnerable customers who rely on face-to-face banking.
“While I understand the increasing shift towards digital banking, it is vital that those who still need in-person support are not left behind.”
Halifax says the closure is due to declining in-branch usage, with most customers opting for mobile, online, or telephone banking. People are being instead directed to Skipton Post Office for over the counter services from next January.
A report shows 367 customers were regularly using the Skipton branch of Halifax - either the counter or the deposit machine - for four months out of six in the period between December 2024 and May 2025. It says most (60%) of these customers were aged over 55. Around a quarter were aged over 75. Just 12% were aged under 34.
The nearest Halifax branch following the closure will be on Low Street in Keighley. The Halifax cash machine in Skipton will also be decommissioned, leaving only one on the High Street - at NatWest across the road.
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