Which? responds to the Association of Convenience Stores’ call to protect access to cash

Gareth Shaw, Head of Money at Which?, said:

“Our research has found that provision of free cash machines is already shockingly low, particularly among poorer communities, threatening to exclude those who rely most on cash in their everyday lives from being able to make essential daily purchases. 

“It’s clear that industry measures alone cannot prevent further reductions to the network of free ATMs. The government must take urgent steps to fix the UK’s broken cash landscape and introduce legislation to ensure people continue to have free access to their cash for as long as it is needed.”  

Notes to editors:

1. Cash strapped: Hundreds of communities struggling to access cash, warns Which? – 14th November 2019
2. To help communities across the country struggling with poor free cashpoint provision, the consumer champion is working with Link to help consumers request an ATM – including launching its own tool: https://whichcouk.bsd.net/page/s/request-a-new-atm. 
3. Which? is encouraging communities across the UK to demand access to cash where it’s needed and will be monitoring Link’s progress to ensure that cashpoints are installed as quickly and effectively as possible.

Statement