July 29, 2006

By Peter Kenny

The Royal Bank Of Scotland and NatWest, labelled the UK’s leading community bank, have announced they are to install 300 cash machines in some of the poorest areas in the UK.

Over the last 3 years cash machine usage has risen dramatically with a 28% increase in cash withdrawals and balance enquiries showing an increase of 37%.

With over 6300 free to use cash machines installed in the UK, RBS and NatWest are already the largest providers of free to use machines on the UK mainland. The free to use cash machine initiative by RBS and NatWest is a welcome boost to those on low incomes and for those claiming benefits.

Some ATM’s in the UK can charge up to £3 for each transaction and of the estimated 58000 cash machines available over 40% currently charge a fee.

RBS has already installed three cash machines, one in England and two in Scotland. RBS Chief Executive of Retail Markets, Gordon Pell, said, “If there's a will in local communities to find suitable sites, we have a way to make it happen and ensure those with the greatest need have free access to their cash. The initiative is designed to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society, the elderly, disabled, those of limited financial means or whose benefits constitute all or the bulk of their income, have free access to their cash close to their point of need.”

"By working in conjunction with local MPs, local authorities, credit unions and the communities they represent, to identify potential sites, the poorest areas in the UK will soon have free access to their cash, via machines located in their local area."

RBS and NatWest are inviting applications from anyone who feels their area qualifies for a free to us ATM. Their web link is www.rbs.com/freecashmachines