Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to increase the availability of (a) cash and (b) ATMs in Bromsgrove constituency.

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 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced regulatory rules for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility, putting in place a new service if necessary.

Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open.

Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party 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

LINK publishes data on the number of ATMs across each parliamentary constituency. LINK’s most recent data (December 2024) identifies 56 ATM cash access points, including 43 that are free-to-use in the constituency of Bromsgrove.