Post Office receives free cash machine boost

October 23, 2006

In July this year the Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest launched a scheme promising to install 300 free to use cash machines in the Britain's poorest communities.

With a network of over 6300 free to use cash machines already in place, RBS and NatWest were looking to give communities whose residents are most vulnerable in our society, the elderly, disabled or those of limited financial means a welcome boost.

It was found that out of the 58,000 ATM's currently in operation in the UK, over 40% charged a fee.

The RBS and NatWest have announced that 100 sub Post Offices have been earmarked for a free to use cash machine.

Out of the remaining 200, 27 sites have already been agreed with a further 20 close to agreement.

As well as a boost to residents in the poorer communities who have in the past not been offered such amenities, the news has been welcomed by small sub Post Offices that were threatened by closure. Recently Post Offices have lost much need income through the loss of services such as road tax which is now available online.

Chief executive of retail markets at RBS, Gordon Pell, said, "Having a free-to-use cash machine close by can make a real difference to the elderly, disabled and those living on a very low income."

"We've had a great response to our website asking people where we should put a machine, but we're now calling for more community organisations, or their representatives, and retailers in deprived areas to come forward and offer their premises for a machine."