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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. Government
has been engaging and will continue to engage with the regulators and industry, including
both the Payment Systems Regulator and LINK (the scheme that runs the UK’s ATM network),
on this topic. For example, last year we conducted a call for evidence on cash and
digital payments in the new economy. This explored how the trend from cash to digital
payments impacts on different sectors, different regions and different demographics.
The Government will formally respond to the call for evidence in due course.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government established the Payment Systems Regulator with a statutory duty
to ensure that payment systems work well for those who use them. As part of this,
the PSR regulates LINK and is closely monitoring developments within ATM provision.
LINK has committed to maintain the broad geographical coverage of the ATM network
in the UK. The PSR has used its powers to hold LINK to account over its commitments
and to ensure LINK reports to it on a regular basis.</p><p> </p><p>Government also
notes that LINK has commissioned an independent review (chaired by Natalie Ceeney)
which is looking at long-term access to cash.</p>
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