Much more is needed from the Government and the regulator to ensure the UK’s free cash network is adequately funded and protected.” Access to cashĪ total of 14,400 free-to-use ATM machines have been lost across the UK since 2018 amid concern about the long-term survival of paper notes and coins, and the impact of digital payments on the most vulnerable in society. “While the Treasury’s cash access policy statement earlier this year kicked off the process, the job to protect cash is far from finished. In a letter to Mr Hunt, the group said: “In your upcoming Autumn Statement, decisive action on the provision of services is needed to ensure the free-to-use ATM network is maintained in the long term, so that it remains available to the millions of people who rely on cash. It is also supported by six members of the SNP, including members of its Westminster frontbench team.īusiness backing comes from the Association of Convenience Stores, the Petrol Retailers Association and ATM operators NCR Atleos and NoteMachine.
