End of Halifax Bank would be a "great loss for the town" amid reports brand could end

It comes after reports that Halifax Bank will no longer be a standalone brand, which stated that Lloyd’s Banking Group had announced it will merge with Lloyds Bank, meaning customers would not be able to open new accounts with Halifax from July 1.

The first Halifax bank was founded in Halifax as the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society in 1852.

In 1997, the bank was floated on the stock exchange and merged with the Bank of Scotland in 2001. Then in 2009, HBOS PLC was taken over by Lloyds TSB and the Halifax became part of Lloyds Banking Group.

The Courier understands that no decisions have been made by Lloyds regarding the future of their brands.

Lloyds made a significant investment in the recently re-opened office in Trinity Road, and customers can still walk into any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch for their banking.

If Lloyds did decide to make any changes, there would be no change to customers’ account numbers, nor would there be any impact to Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection.

Halifax MP Kate Dearden said: “The Halifax Bank brand is a source of immense pride for our community. Its recognition across the UK reflects the remarkable success of our town, where it was first established as a building society.

“These reports are therefore concerning, and I am seeking urgent clarification from Lloyds as to whether they are accurate.

“I strongly believe the Halifax brand should be retained and, if these reports prove to be correct, I will be making that case firmly at the highest levels and at every appropriate opportunity.”

Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director at Dean Clough, also hoped the brand will continue.

“The Halifax brand is synonymous with quality and dependability,” he said.

“Its history is interwoven with our town’s history, embracing qualities that are both valued and valuable. It’s hugely significant both within our town and as a brand.

“A cause for celebration is the bank’s investment in the Halifax’s head office building, repurposing it for the 21st century, which is a great indication of the bank’s long-term commitment to the town.

“I sincerely hope the Halifax brand is retained.”

Nicholas Worsnop, from Business for Calderdale, said: “The Halifax name and brand has been synonymous with banking in this country for many years.

"The building society was founded over a hundred and fifty years ago, and at one time I understand was the largest building society in the world.

"I am sure Lloyds has its reasons for potentially dropping the name and the brand, but given its association and the goodwill that has developed over the years it is certainly sad to see.

"It will be a great loss for the town to see this disappear. Almost everyone I have ever met associates Halifax with the building society and the brand.”

A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson told the Courier: “We regularly look at the role our brands play in supporting our customers.

“Our banking customers can already use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, and see any of their products and services in any of their apps – there are no changes for our customers today.”

There are currently Halifax branches on Bethel Street in Brighouse and Market Street in Halifax.