Free-To-Use ATMs Are Vanishing More Quickly In Poorer Areas

Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, said: “We know that people in more deprived communities tend to rely heavily on cash, so it’s deeply concerning that those who can least afford it are being hit with the extra burden of hefty fees to access their own money as free cashpoints close at an alarming rate.

“The government and regulators must urgently get a grip on these rapid changes to the cash landscape and guarantee people across the UK can continue to access this important payment method for as long as it is required.”

Ceeney said: “Six months ago, we presented recommendations of what steps should be taken to make sure no one was left behind.

“With ATM numbers declining, cash use dropping, and more and more shops not accepting cash, our fear is that the UK will fast go cashless, leaving millions of people behind.”

Which? assessed whether areas were deprived based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), using factors such as employment, income, crime and healthcare.

Neighbourhoods were grouped into 10 bands – with those in the lowest two classified by Which? as the most deprived and those in the highest two the least deprived.

John Howells, chief executive of Link, said: “Which?’s report rightly points out that it is the less well-off and more remote parts of the country that are at growing risk of losing free cash access.”

He said the number of fee-charging charging ATMs, while showing a recent increase, is still around the same levels seen at the start of 2018, and much lower than an all-time high in 2007.