Dundee West MP Chris Law has pushed the UK Government to introduce measures to address an increase in cash machine charges across the UK, following evidence that suggests that a quarter of free-to-use cash machines have been lost over the last three years.
In a letter to Paul Scully MP, the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, Mr Law highlighted the importance of free-to-use cash machines, especially in lower income areas. Across the UK 80% of cash machines are free to use, but if you live in a lower income area you have a higher chance of only being able to access pay-to-use machines.
Mr Law also questioned if the UK Government had plans to bring in legislation to assist the regulation of the ATM industry, particularly in the most deprived areas of the UK. The Access to Cash review found that those earning under £10,000 per year are 14 times more likely to use physical cash than those who earn over £30,000 per year.
Mr Law said:
“We know that access to free-to-use cash machines across the UK is decreasing. Just one example of this is Lochee, where local shoppers have been left with only a pay-to-use machine on the main High Street.
“While 99p might not seem like a lot to most folk, these small charges quickly add up and have a real impact on the people most likely to rely on these cash machines. Every time a low-income or vulnerable family is forced to use a pay-to-use cash machine, money is being taken from that could be going to vital necessities.
“It is important we do as much to reduce inequality as possible. With the most deprived disproportionately facing the brunt of cash withdrawal charges, this is a small but important step that can be taken to reduce inequality. Even a small step, like removing cash machine charges, can have a positive effect on people’s lives.”
Chris Law 