Labour MP warns of ‘ATM desert’

A Scottish Labour MP is calling for a review of the decision to change how free ATMS are funded, claiming it could create a “cash machine desert” in some areas.

Rutgherglen and Hamilton West MP Ged Killen has written to the UK Government’s Payment Systems Regulator, asking for a full market review of ATMS following Link’s plan to cut the fees paid to cash machine operators.

Link plans a four-year phased cut totalling 20 per cent and Mr Killen claims this could threaten the viability of 30,000 – 45 per cent – of the UK’S free-to-use ATMS but Link has said it is committed to protecting free access to cash.

The MP said: “Scotland is expected to be one of the worst regions of the UK affected by Link’s decision. There are already more cash machines in one corridor in the House of Commons than on the whole of Cambuslang Main Street.”