Branch commitment aims to protect local access to banking
Leeds Building Society has formally committed to keep its Halifax town centre branch open until at least September 2031, as part of a national pledge covering all 51 of its outlets. The society said branches will remain available every weekday from 9.30am to 4.45pm with no appointment required, a move it described as reflecting a long-term dedication to high streets and local communities.
The announcement sets out a series of customer-focused promises intended to reassure members who still rely on face-to-face services. These include a guarantee that members will always be able to speak to someone either in branch or by phone, a commitment not to run any savings accounts that are restricted to new customers only, and an aim to pay above the market average for savings rates.
- Branch availability: Halifax branch open weekdays, 9.30am–4.45pm, no appointment needed.
- Product fairness: No savings accounts solely for new customers; best available rate offered at maturity.
- Customer access: Members can discuss business in branch or by telephone.
“We know that for many people in Halifax having access to a local branch still matters. Whether it's opening a savings account, getting help to protect themselves from fraud, or simply speaking to someone face-to-face, our branches provide a service that many members value,”
The comment, from Graham Binns, Head of Leeds Building Society’s Branch Network, accompanied the society’s wider pledge to keep all branches open until at least September 2031. The society framed the move as a response to an increasingly digital financial landscape, emphasising that physical branches remain an important part of how many members interact with their bank.
What the commitment means locally
For Halifax residents the announcement preserves a familiar route for everyday banking tasks: opening or managing savings accounts, getting advice on fraud prevention and carrying out transactions without booking an appointment. For older customers, those less confident online, or people who prefer in-person service, the pledge removes some immediate uncertainty about the future of the town centre branch.
Local campaigners and trade bodies have frequently warned that the loss of bank branches can damage high streets by reducing footfall and limiting access to cash and advice. While the society’s statement does not commit to a permanent presence beyond 2031, it does provide a multi-year horizon that local businesses and residents can rely on in the short term.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Branch count (nationwide) | 51 branches |
| Halifax branch hours | Weekdays, 9.30am–4.45pm |
| Minimum commitment | Until September 2031 |
Alongside maintaining opening hours, the society said it would aim to provide rates that are above the market average and ensure members receive the best available rate when an account matures. It also pledged that members would not be disadvantaged by products available only to new customers — a practice that some lenders have used to attract savers.
The commitment will be welcomed by customers who value face-to-face contact for complex queries and fraud prevention advice. It may also give local businesses some reassurance that the constant stream of customers a branch provides will continue to contribute to town centre footfall for the next few years.
However, the pledge runs only to 2031 and does not remove the potential for future changes. As banks and building societies continue to adapt to digital services, the long-term shape of local banking remains uncertain. For now, Halifax residents have clarity on branch access and opening times, and a timetable for when that certainty will next be reviewed.
