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Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“Making bank branches exclusive to high income or fee paying customers is a short-sighted move which risks excluding many older people. Older people are an increasing demographic in this country and banks should bear this in mind in how they cater for their customers.

“Face to face service is very important for many older people. Telephone banking services are unsuitable for those with hearing problems and since internet use declines with age, internet banking can be inappropriate for some older customers. There is also a security issue as many older people feel vulnerable withdrawing money from a cash machine on the street and prefer to go into a bank branch.

“Older people on restricted incomes can't afford to pay fees for premier accounts but their custom shouldn't be less valued because of this.”