Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to improve access to cash in rural areas.

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The most recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority shows 98 per cent of people in rural areas live within 3 miles of a free-to-use cash access point offering withdrawals.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash. and its rules went live on 18 September. These rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies to assess the impact of a closure of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary.

Where a consumer, or anyone with a strong connection to a local area, feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found at the following link: https://www.link.co.uk/helping-you-access-cash/request-access-to-cash