Responding to an interim report released on Wednesday from the Access to Cash review which warned about the dangers of the UK “sleepwalking” into becoming a cashless society, Positive Money’s Head of Policy David Clarke said,

“This report clearly illustrates how the ongoing closure of ATMs and bank branches could leave millions of people without access to their money. A poll commissioned by Positive Money found that 77% of people regard access to a free-to-use ATM as essential to their lives.

“People should be able to use their money in the way they choose. We must not allow banks and card companies to push us towards a cashless society in spite of consumers’ genuine preferences.

“The Government should urgently assign a regulator with a specific duty to protect cash access, and consider requiring retailers to accept payments in cash, to ensure no-one is left behind as the payments market evolves.”

Notes

David Clarke, Head of Policy at Positive Money is available for briefings and interviews. Please call 07908 037569 to arrange a booking.

About Positive Money

Positive Money campaigns for a money and banking system which supports a fair, democratic and sustainable economy. Set up in the aftermath of the financial crisis, Positive Money is a not-for-profit company funded by charitable trusts and foundations, as well as small donations from its network of over 65,000 supporters.