We asked each of the candidates in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath:

Should the Government be able to stop local bank branches closing?

David Coburn

Ukip

I would not be in favour of Governments telling companies or individuals how to organise their businesses. I believe businesses should be given the greatest freedom to arrange their affairs. However, banks provide a public service and there may be scope for the Government to pressure the banks to maintain branches as a social service.

Dave Dempsey

Conservatives

A more important question is whether the Government should use such a power if it had it. Trying to force an organisation to do something it doesn’t want to runs the risk of unintended consequences. A better long-term answer is to find who actively wants to provide the sort of services that would be lost. The Post Office seems to be showing some initiative in this area.

Lesley Laird

Labour

We need a strong, safe and socially responsible banking system that meets the needs of local communities and economies. Not everyone wants to bank online. I welcome Labour’s commitment to change the law so banks can’t close a branch where there is a clear local need. I’m sure many communities and small businesses will welcome this commitment by Labour.

Roger Mullin

SNP

The UK Government already has the power as majority shareholder in RBS to intervene where RBS closures are concerned. In my view they should have done so but consistently refused to do so. Where banks are wholly private institutions governments are limited in their power but not in their influence. I have previously called on the Government to exert influence to protect local communities and will continue to do so if re-elected.

Malcolm Wood

Liberal Democrats

We need to break down barriers to doing business, not create new ones. Many households and businesses depend heavily on their local bank branches. Closures can force people to travel much further to access services. The Lib Dems are focused on strengthening our economy, and that is why we want to see ministers work with the financial sector to ensure that business and customers everywhere have easy and secure access to their money and banking services.