The Link network today launched its ‘Request an ATM’ tool. As free cashpoints continue to disappear, its CEO, John Howells, explains more about the challenges faced.
Link is continuing to address the loss of cash access by offering communities the chance to apply for a new ATM – the service has launched today.
Here, Link’s CEO, John Howells, tells us why he does not want to see communities left behind as changes continue.
This is a guest post by John Howells. All views expressed are John’s own and not necessarily shared by Which?.
The way we pay is changing. From buying groceries online to getting on the bus using a contactless card, consumers are choosing to use new technology to pay for things every day.
That is a huge opportunity for businesses and many people, but a challenge for society.
One consequence of using less cash is that people are taking less cash out of ATMs. Across the Link network, we have seen withdrawals fall by 10% in the last year alone.
That means operators are choosing to close ATMs and change their network.
‘Don’t leave communities behind’
The changes are likely to continue. But we’re determined to make sure it happens in a way that doesn’t leave communities behind.
After all, in almost all communities there are people and places from local shops to buses that don’t use anything except cash.
While many people, including policy makers, rely less and less on cash, many still depend on it and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
So we’re determined to do something about it, before the system hits crisis. But we aren’t going to sit in an ivory tower and dictate what those changes should be.
Instead, we’re putting communities first. With the support of Which?, we are asking communities across the UK to come to us where they feel they need a free ATM.
Addressing your concerns
We’re going to respond to those concerns one by one, and where an ATM is viable and necessary, we’ll work to get one up and running, using funds from the banks and building societies.
Use the Link ‘Request an ATM’ tool.
This won’t mean that there will be an ATM on every street corner, but I am determined to make sure that, while people still need cash, they can continue to get it in a convenient location.
So if your community is struggling to access cash don’t sit on your hands. Don’t wait for something to happen. Find out more about our Delivery Fund here, and see if we can help.
This was a guest post by John Howells. All views expressed were John’s own and not necessarily shared by Which?.