Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton Constituency MSP, has backed a pledge from John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor, that the next Labour government will set up almost 300 Post Banks in Scotland to ensure every community has face-to-face banking.

The plan to revitalise high streets and set up a publicly owned Post Bank run through the post office network, will ensure that every community has access to face-to-face, trusted and affordable banking.

The Post Bank network would help stem the tide of post office closures, uniting important banking, business and community services under one roof, creating skilled jobs and bringing footfall back to our high streets.

The news comes just days after Which? revealed that Scotland has lost more than a third of its bank and building society branches in just eight years.

Jackie said:

“My constituency has experienced a significant number of bank branch closures in recent years, including the loss of the Royal Bank in Alexandria and the proposal to close the Santander branch in Helensburgh. This has had a particularly negative impact on elderly and more vulnerable customers who struggle to travel a greater distance to access bank branches.

“I am pleased that Labour has committed to tackling the issue head on, establishing a network of Post Banks using the post office network to ensure people have access to face-to-face banking.

“In addition, the Post Banks will bring new jobs to our communities and increase footfall on our high streets.”