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<p>The Royal Bank of Scotland’s decision to close bank branches and publication of
its data are commercial decisions for the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, the impact
on communities must be understood, considered and mitigated where possible.</p><p>
</p><p>The industry’s Access to Banking Standard, launched in May 2017, commits banks
to ensure personal and business customers are better informed about branch closures
and the reasons for them closing, along with the options they have locally to continue
to access banking services, including specialist assistance for customers who need
more help. The Access to Banking Standard is monitored and enforced by the independent
Lending Standards Board.</p><p> </p><p>At Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor also
wrote to the Post Office and UK Finance to ask them to raise public awareness of the
banking services available at the Post Office for individuals and SMEs.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government is committed to widespread free access to cash. LINK, the organisation
that runs the UK’s ATM network, operates a Financial Inclusion Programme, which subsidises
ATMs in areas that have poor access to cash and would not otherwise be viable. LINK
has committed to protecting all free-to-use ATMs which are a kilometre or more from
the next nearest free-to-use ATM.</p><p> </p><p>The Payment Systems Regulator Limited
(PSR) has also committed to using their powers to maintain widespread free access
to cash should they need to.</p>
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