Liberal Democrat Councillors Welcome New Assisted Cash Service – Call for Full Banking Hub to Follow

Local Liberal Democrat councillors for Haxby and Wigginton Ward on City of York Council have welcomed confirmation that the area will be receiving a new assisted cash service to provide local access to cash deposits and withdrawals. 

The service has been recommended by the LINK group, following a review of local needs after the closure of the last remaining bank in 2022 and the subsequent loss of the Post Office in May 2025. The councillors have stressed that while this is a big step forward for residents and businesses, the town still needs a full banking hub to restore the range of services lost in recent years.

Cllr Andrew Hollyer said: 

“This is a very welcome result and an important first step towards restoring local financial services. Having somewhere residents and businesses can deposit and withdraw cash locally will make a big difference, particularly for those who rely on in-person banking. But we remain clear that Haxby and Wigginton deserve a full banking hub, offering the full range of face-to-face services that have been taken away over the past few years.” 

The assisted cash service is expected to be delivered via the Post Office, which is working on a solution following the closure of its previous branch. Local Liberal Democrat councillors will continue to push for further improvements, arguing that many residents and small businesses also need access to services such as account management, specialist advice, and counter transactions with multiple banks. 

Plans to progress a temporary stop-gap post office at Oaken Grove Community Centre are also continuing, with the assisted cash service expected to be in place as soon as possible. 

Cllr Richard Watson added: 

“This is a welcome development for local people who have been left without even the most basic banking facilities. We want to thank everyone who signed our petitions and supported our campaigns, your backing has made a difference. Our next job is to keep the pressure on and make sure this is the start, not the end, of restoring proper banking services to our community.” 

Cllr Ian Cuthbertson said: 

“The assisted cash service is a positive step, but it must be seen as the beginning of a bigger plan. Haxby and Wigginton are growing communities, and the need for a full banking hub is only going to increase. We will keep working to ensure residents have convenient, reliable access to all the financial services they need, locally and in person.”

Details about the opening date and location of the new assisted cash service will be announced soon.