ATM network funding cut condemned by small businesses and MPs
Business groups have warned a funding cut could cause mass closure of free-to-use ATMs
Britain’s largest ATM network has confirmed proposals to reduce funding for cash machine providers, leading to condemnation from politicians and small business groups.
Following a consultation, the LINK network will reduce the interchange? fee, the transacation cost covered by banks, by 5p over the next four years, starting with a 1p reduction from July 2018.
The fee is currently set at 25p, and consumer watchdogs, business groups and MPs have all warned that a funding cut for cashpoint providers would inevitably reduce the number of free-to-use cash machines across the UK, and hit communities already suffering from the loss of physical bank branches.
A recent report from watchdog Which? highlighted the 123 UK postcode districts, with a combined population of 110, 935, where there currently isnt a single ATM, causing consumers and business owners to rely on neighbouring communities for cash.
Echoing the findings of the study, Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said LINK’s proposals would exacerbate the situation.
access to cash is absolutely vital to local growth in rural and deprived communities. Too often we hear of towns running out of cash because current cash point provision simply isnt good enough, he said.
consumers and small firms have already been hit by thousands of bank branch closures in the last few years. Now, our cash machine network is under threat.
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To maintain a presence of free access, LINK has exempted all ATMs one kilometre or more from the next free machine from any reductions in fees. Cherry went on to say: Were not convinced that today’s announcement includes enough protections for vulnerable communities.
Praseeda Nair is the editorial director of Business Advice, and its sister publication for growing businesses, Real Business. She's an impassioned advocate for women in leadership, and likes to profile business owners, advisors and experts in the field of entrepreneurship and management.
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Business groups have warned a funding cut could cause mass closure of free-to-use ATMs
How rural businesses can compete with the city slickers
Running a business in the countryside might sound idyllic beautiful surroundings and being your own boss appeals to many. But how do you ensure you can compete on a more level playing field with urban areas?
__________________________________________________________________________________
To maintain a presence of free access, LINK has exempted all ATMs one kilometre or more from the next free machine from any reductions in fees. Cherry went on to say: Were not convinced that today’s announcement includes enough protections for vulnerable communities.
