MPs back free ATM campaign

MORE than 50 MPs from across the political spectrum have given their support to a campaign to protect free-to-use cash machines.

Changes to how ATMs are funded have meant an average of 300 per month have closed since November of last year, with rural areas and Scotland the worst affected.

More than 100 machines have closed north of the Border in the past year – with fears another 300 will be lost.

Link, the network responsible for more than 80 per cent of all UK withdrawals from cash machines, plans to cut the fees it pays to ATM operators. It says this will help to ‘rebalance’ the availability of free machines. But the move has sparked concern that it could leave rural and vulnerable customers unable to access cash, while businesses fear a reduction in footfall.

A campaign launched by Scottish Labour’s Ged Killen is now highlighting the issue. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP hosted a drop-in event at Westminster on Wednesday with consumer group Which? and the Federation of Small Businesses.

He said: ‘There was a fantastic turnout, with over 50 MPs from different political parties demonstrating their support for the campaign and deep concern about cuts to free ATMs.

‘There are more free-to-use ATMs in the House of Commons than on Cambuslang Main Street. A similar picture exists on many high streets.

‘I accept that we are moving towards a cashless society, however, the pace of change should be dictated by consumer habits, not targets by banks.’

MPs who attended included Tory MP for Angus Kirstene Hair and Hugh Gaffney, Labour MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill.

Mr Killen has also introduced a Bill to ban ATM charges, backed by SNP, Labour and Conservative politicians.