LINK takes up new independent co-ordinating role to continue to protect access to cash

The collaboration, achieved through the Access to Cash Action Group (CAG), marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to ensuring the continued widespread access to cash needed by communities.

As part of this new commitment, LINK is taking up a new role as the Cash Action Group’s dedicated co-ordinating body and will independently review the impact of all changes to banking provision in communities. LINK will commission new services such as shared banking hubs and ATMs where needed to meet the cash needs of the community as a whole and not just the customers or members of one bank or building society.

As a result, LINK has determined that the following new services will be provided, with further announcements to come in 2022:

• Shared banking hubs in Acton (West London), Brixham (Devon), Carnoustie (Angus), Knaresborough (North Yorkshire) and Syston (Leicestershire) – building on the experience of the existing hubs piloted in Rochford, Essex and Cambuslang, Glasgow
• Free-to-use ATMs in Betchworth (Surrey), Bo’ness (West Lothian), Brentwood (Essex), Hugh Town (Isles of Scilly), Low Fell (Tyne and Wear), Merthyr Vale (Mid Glamorgan), Mosborough (South Yorkshire), Norwich (Norfolk), Putney (London), Woolhampton (Berkshire), and Woodbury (Devon).

The Post Office is also ready to deliver new and improved dedicated cash services in up to 30 branches.

Welcoming the news, John Howells, Chief Executive, LINK said:

“Our relationship with cash is changing but the UK is not ready to be a cashless society, and free access to cash remains vital for many consumers and communities. LINK is therefore delighted to take on such a key role, working independently alongside the banks to ensure that the cash needs of communities continue to be met.”