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<p>The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across
the UK and has committed to protecting access to cash for those that need it. The
Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October 2020 seeking views on the key
considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities,
cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. The Call for Evidence
closed on the 25 November 2020. The Government is considering responses and will set
out next steps in due course.</p><p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Treasury has
been working closely with regulators and industry to ensure customers continue to
have access to essential banking services, while also protecting the safety of staff
and customers. This has meant the vast majority of people have been able to access
cash through the pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>The Government continues to be fully supportive
of the Post Office Banking Framework Agreement. The agreement allows 95% of business
and 99% of personal banking customers to carry out their everyday banking at 11,500
Post Office branches in the UK until December 2022. The terms of future Banking Framework
Agreements are commercial decisions between industry and the Post Office. The Government
will continue to engage with industry and the Post Office to ensure that that all
customers, wherever they live, continue to have access to over the counter banking
services.</p><p>Since 1998, all the major UK banks and building societies have participated
in LINK, enabling their ATMs to be used by customers of the other members of the network.
Presently, ATMs are the most commonly used means of withdrawing cash. Membership of
LINK is a commercial decision.</p>
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