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<p>The Government recognises that widespread free access to cash remains extremely
important to the day-to-day lives of many consumers and businesses in the UK.</p><p>
</p><p>The Governments’ Call for Evidence on Cash & Digital Payments highlighted
changing payment trends. In response, the Government has set up the Joint Authorities
Cash Strategy (JACS) Group. This group brings together the key regulators to co-ordinate
regulatory work to support the country’s cash infrastructure, including ATMs. It will
publicly update on activity in the Autumn.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also believes
industry has a crucial role to play in protecting access to cash. In addition to previous
commitments, LINK – the UK’s largest ATM network - has recently committed to protect
access to cash on high streets with five or more qualifying retailers. It has also
created an ATM delivery fund for elected officials to request a new machine in areas
with poor access to cash. Furthermore, UK Finance has launched a Community Access
to Cash Initiative, offering grants to local communities to improve cash access through
alternative solutions.</p><p> </p><p>The Government-established Payment Systems Regulator
(PSR) continues to closely monitor developments in the ATM market and has used its
powers to hold LINK to account over commitments to preserve the broad geographic spread
of ATMs.</p>
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