WEIR CALLS FOR MORE FREE ATMS IN RURAL AND POOR AREAS

Angus MP, Mike Weir, is calling for more banks and building societies to install non-charging Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) into rural and poorer areas.  Mr Weir’s calls came after the Citizens Advice Bureau’s (CAB) produced a report which found that many ATMs charging a fee for customer’s to withdraw money are more prevalent in rural and poorer areas than in other any part of the country.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Weir said:

“The report by the CAB backs the concerns I have been raising over the last three years.

“Although fee charging cash machines have been in circulation for a number of years, the real problem began when the UK Government moved the paying of benefits and the state pension from the Post Office into bank accounts,  meaning more claimants having to withdraw their money from an ATM.

“The matter was further exasperated after many High Street banks sold off a number of their ATMs, out with their branches, to private operators who in turn introduced a fee charging system for withdrawals.

“However, many of these ATMs are in areas which can ill afford a charge of up to £1.50 on each withdrawal.  These are areas where there is no choice but withdraw money from a fee charging ATM as not only has the local bank closed a long time ago but the sub post office has also now closed.

“This is morally wrong and it is time more High Street Banks followed the example taken by  the Alliance & Leicester which I understand has recently installed a non-charging ATM machine at the convenience store on Forfar’s South Street.”