New analysis by Which? demonstrates that free-to-use cash machines are vanishing more quickly in deprived areas. ITV covers the news that nine per cent of free cash machines across the UK had closed or become fee-paying during the 17 months after changes were made to how the network is funded.

Reductions to the fees card issues pay to ATM operators have increased fears about ‘cash deserts’ in some areas as bank branches also close. Which? found that poorer communities were losing access to cash at a faster rate, disproportionately affecting those most reliant on cash.

The most deprived areas across the UK had seen a reduction of 979 free-to-use machines – equivalent to 5.7% of their ATM network whereas the least deprived areas lost 223 free cashpoints – equivalent to 3.9% of their network of machines. Birmingham Ladywood saw the biggest losses, with a reduction of 47 free machines.

→Full article:

ITV: Poorer areas losing more ATMs