Nick Smith MP calls on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to safeguard free ATMs in Blaenau Gwent

Mr Smith’s constituency has one of the highest rates of pay-to-use cash machines in the UK, with 39 per cent of the ATMs in the area charging people to withdraw their own money.

The Labour MP lobbied former chancellor Sajid Javid to tackle the issue, and has now called on his successor Rishi Sunak to bring forward legislation to protect free access to cash.

In his letter to the chancellor, Mr Smith said that new legislation needs to be in place at the earliest possible opportunity to address the growing issue “promptly and effectively.”

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He said: “Although cash is generally being used less, in places like Blaenau Gwent access to money is still essential.

“With so many of our banks closing in recent years, ATMs are now the only way that many people can access cash.

“In many cases people have no choice but to pay a charge to withdraw their own money. This is unacceptable.

“The government and regulators must get a handle on this issue before it is too late.

“Once free access to cash is gone from our communities, it will be gone forever.

“Free access to cash is vital in places like Blaenau Gwent and must be safeguarded.”

It was reported last week that consumer watchdog group Which? and the Association of Convenience Stores are also lobbying the new chancellor to secure the future of free access to cash and provide support to the ATM network.