Threat of ATM Removal Fuels MP's Concerns

MPs have called for reassurances over the future of the UK's free-to-use cash machines.

2.7 million people, or 5% of UK adults, were still almost entirely reliant on cash transactions but the use of Internet transactions, cards and contactless payments is reducing the need for physical cash.

LINK said its proposals earlier this month came because of the sharp fall in consumers' demand for cash.

It said there would still be an extensive network of free cash machines and that any reduction would likely be in areas where there are currently many them close together.

LINK also said that the number of cashpoints was at near-record levels, with more than 70,000 across the country, of which 55,000 are free to use.

The public are concerned that in rural areas vulnerable people reliant on cash would either will have to pay to use ATM’s, or could find ATM machines removed.