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<p>The Government recognises that widespread free access to cash remains important
to the day-to-day lives of many people and businesses in the UK. At Spring Statement
2018, the Treasury launched a Call for Evidence on Cash & Digital Payments. This
sought to gather evidence on how changing preferences for cash and digital payments
impact on different sectors, regions and demographics. In its response document, the
Government reiterated its policy is to safeguard access to cash for those who need
it while supporting digital payments.</p><p> </p><p>LINK, the scheme that runs the
UK’s ATM network, has committed to maintain the broad geographical coverage of the
ATM network in the UK. LINK has put in place specific arrangements to protect free-to-use
ATMs more than 1 kilometre away from the next nearest free-to-use ATM. Furthermore,
LINK recently announced new additional premiums to safeguard the presence of free-to-use
ATMs in remote and deprived areas.</p><p> </p><p>The Government-established Payment
Systems Regulator, which regulates LINK, is closely monitoring developments within
ATM provision and has used its powers to hold LINK to account over its commitments.</p><p>
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