14th May 2025
Local MP Freddie van Mierlo has joined forces with the Mayors of Henley and Thame to fight for banking hubs for the two towns. Both towns have been left without vital banking facilities, with only limited cash access at Nationwide building society branches.
Last week, Freddie met at Henley town hall with a group of local leaders, including, outgoing Henley Mayor Rory Hunt, newly appointed Deputy Mayor Ian Reissmann, Henley Town Clerk Sheridan Jacklin-Edward, and Mayor of Thame Andy Gilbert to coordinate next steps in securing proper banking provision for the towns. The group affirmed their commitment to working together to find a resolution and ensure that residents across the constituency are not left behind.
Thame Town Council has so far applied for a banking hub, appealed the decision not to provide one and issued a formal complaint to LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing cash and banking access. LINK has declined to uphold the complaint, maintaining that an Automated Deposit Scheme (ADS) for businesses is sufficient.
This decision has been met with frustration locally, as the ADS does not address the broader needs of the community, especially vulnerable people who rely on in person banking, as well as businesses forced to travel to Aylesbury to handle cash. With Freddie’s full support, Thame Town Council will now escalate the matter to the Independent Assessor, the final stage of the formal complaint process.
Freddie van Mierlo MP commented:
“Thame needs and deserves more than a deposit machine. LINK’s decision not to uphold the town council’s complaint is extremely disappointing, and I fully support the Council in taking this to the Independent Assessor. I’ll continue working with Mayor Andy Gilbert and colleagues in Henley to press for a Banking Hub for both market towns that meets the needs of all our residents for businesses and older and more vulnerable people without digital access.”
“I’m pleased to have helped facilitate a meeting between the Mayors of Henley and Thame, who have agreed to share experiences and knowledge of the complex and lengthy process. I will be championing the cause at every opportunity and the town councils have my full support”
