Christian MP says vanishing free ATMs is ‘unacceptable’

The consumer group Which? has revealed almost 1,700 cash points brought in charges during the first three months of the year.

MP Frank Field for Birkenhead told Premier the fees were unfair.

“For these operators of these machines – to charge you for taking money out when often you can only take very small sums out – you just get clobbered each time and it just isn’t acceptable.”

Which? said the rate of machines being converted to charge fees appears to be on the increase, with a “staggering” 1,250 conversions thought to have taken place across the UK in March.

Which? said the bulk of the ATMs affected are operated by Cardtronics, the UK’s biggest cashpoint operator.

The ATM operator has argued that some cash machines would be unsustainable without a fee.

However, Mr Field said ATM operators have a duty to the most vulnerable in society.

“They have a duty – if they wish to operate as banks in this country – of providing free services to the very poorest,” he said.

“We must remind them of that and keep them to that commitment.”

Which? said the rate of machines being converted to charge fees appears to be on the increase, with a “staggering” 1,250 conversions thought to have taken place across the UK in March.

Bank branch and ATM closures have sparked widespread concerns about people’s future access to cash.

Niall Cooper from Church Action on Poverty told Premier free ATMs…