Ged Killen calls for ban on ATM fees

Ged Killen, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, has called for an end to ATMs that charge a fee to withdraw cash.

Ged Killen questions RBS executive on branch closures

Ged Killen questions RBS executive on branch closures

Almost 1,000 Link ATMs in Scotland charge a fee and Ged plans to introduce a bill at Westminster to ban the practice as they disproportionately affect people on low incomes who may withdraw small amounts of money at a time.

Ged also expressed concern that bank closures would lead to more ATMs charging saying:

“Banks are closing across Scotland with only their word that they will leave a free-to-use cash machine in a local community.

“I haven’t seen many bank closures in affluent parts of Glasgow and I am very concerned that we are sleepwalking into a situation where the most deprived areas have no free-to-use cash machines and that we will see ever-increasing numbers of ATMs that charge a fee.

“People who are on benefits are often paid smaller amounts on a frequent basis. Having to pay every time they want to lift out money to pay a bill will drive yet more people into poverty, forced to rely on foodbanks to get by.

“Charges on withdrawing cash have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable and those who have the least. That’s why I’m actively looking at all options, including a 10-minute rule bill in parliament to ban charging ATM machines and protect free access to cash.”

 

The move was welcomed by Keith Dryburgh, spokesperson for Citizens Advice Scotland who said: “We welcome the proposal as an opportunity to assess the impact of bank closures and pay-to-use cash machines across Scotland and to encourage banks to ensure their customers are able to access cash and essential services.”

Further backing was received from consumer advocacy group Which? with spokesperson Gareth Shaw saying: “Consumers are facing an uphill struggle to access free cash withdrawals, with the free-to-use ATM network now under threat on top of local bank branch closures.

“While some people might choose to pay for a convenient ATM, it’s important that free-to-use options are readily available for the millions of consumers who rely on them. Consumers should never feel forced to pay for access to their cash.”

Posted by HLSLabour

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