According to a new report, Scottish people have the lowest trust in regular banking activities across the UK.
The Which?’s annual Scottish Consumer Insight Report stated that only 39% Scots have trust in day-to-day banking services. The figure is significantly less compared to 45% in the UK as a whole.
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The new report follows another Which? analysis last month that found one-third of Scottish bank branches have been closed down in the last eight years.
The number of banks and building societies dropped from 1,625 in 2010 to 1,015 in 2018. The analysis was based on data from the Office for National Statistics.
During the period, almost all the major banks closed their branches in Scotland. RBS closed 158 branches, followed by Bank of Scotland (86) and Clydesdale (59).
Additionally, the analysis found the cash dispensing machines across Scotland are closing at an alarming rate.
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By GlobalDataWhich? has urged the authorities to stop the closures to mitigate the impact on Scottish communities.
The latest report also noted that around 39% Scottish people trust broadband services, significantly fewer than the UK average (45%). Furthermore, only one in five Scots had a positive outlook on the UK economy.
Which? Director of Advocacy Caroline Normand said: “Scottish consumers are struggling with dwindling day-to-day banking services and poor broadband connections and our research suggests this could be having an impact on trust in these vital industries, and demonstrates the need for a dedicated consumer body backed by the Scottish Government.
“If Consumer Scotland is to be a real force for improving the lives of ordinary people, it must take on board the concerns highlighted in this report – and make tackling them a top priority.”
The Which?’s annual Scottish Consumer Insight Report surveyed 1,075 people throughout the year.
