NO UK GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO PROTECT FREE ACCESS TO CASH

I challenged the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to introduce legislation to protect access to free cash, local banking and post office services on our high streets. Last year, Scotland lost 204 free cash machines, which alongside the widespread closure of local bank branches and post offices, has made it increasingly difficult to access cash free of charge. Rural areas and small towns have been particularly hard hit by this, and it is adding to the struggles of small businesses on our ailing high streets.

I was disappointed with the Secretary of State’s lack of commitment on doing all he can to protect access to free cash on our high streets. The Government must act now so that our small businesses and hard-hit town centres can survive.

Watch the exchange below.