Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to maintain free access to cash withdrawals during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government recognises the importance of cash to the daily lives of millions of people across the UK, particularly to those in vulnerable groups and individuals who may be self-isolating.

The Government is working closely with the cash industry and regulators to ensure that people can continue to access their cash. Customers can continue to use ATMs or cash machines as normal for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries.

LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, has existing arrangements in place to protect free-to-use ATMs that do not have another free-to-use ATM or Post Office counter within 1 kilometre. LINK is also supporting the viability of remote ATMs with premium fees paid to ATM deployers.

The Financial Conduct Authority is monitoring the situation closely to ensure that regulated firms are providing clear information about the solutions that they offer to help customers make payments.