Today I had a Zoom call with the Regional Director of Nationwide and 2 of her colleagues and I have to say it was probably one of the most unsatisfactory and badly informed meetings with a bank or building society management I have ever had. They claimed that the Lancing Nationwide did a lot to support the local community with volunteers and financial help yet was unable to name a single project they had been involved with, and I certainly could not think of one either. They kept claiming that closing the Lancing branch was a very difficult decision and they had looked at all sorts of innovations to keep it open. Clearly there was no truth in that either as they had not consulted me, any local councillors or anyone else locally as far as I am aware of.
I suggested that they could open on a part time basis or even have a reduced presence within another local shop, or offer a mobile facility as some banks do in rural areas.
They refused to consider any of these options. However, the most shocking thing is that they have clearly misled customers on the undertakings they have given about committing to ‘maintain at least one branch in every town or city where we currently are until at least January 2023.’ That guarantee is boldly included on their website and was given again in the letter they wrote to me belatedly telling me about the closure of Lancing, it is not conditional, no ifs no buts.
They refused to admit that they are trying to wriggle out of that guarantee by defining Lancing as a village, as it technically is, rather than a town or city.
I know politicians are often accused of ‘spinning the truth’ but this was a masterclass. I began the meeting feeling concerned and annoyed on behalf of constituents, I left it (abruptly) feeling very angry. I am now going to make sure everyone knows what they are up to before they completely mislead other customers in other communities.
