Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor John Robertson (Labour), on Monday, 10 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 117 members in total.

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FEE-CHARGING ATM MACHINES

That this House condemns the policy of high street banks to sell off their non-branch based ATM machines; notes that many have been replaced by ATMs which charge an average of ??1.50 per withdrawal; further notes that fee-charging ATMs are disproportionately located in poorer areas where few people can afford to travel to free alternatives; is concerned that this is a particular problem for people whose state benefits are paid into their bank accounts, and who are therefore charged simply for receiving their benefits; is disappointed the Royal Bank of Scotland has not done more to alleviate this problem since is acquired Hanco, which operates around a quarter of all free-charging ATMs; concurs with the Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Consumer Council, who have criticised the Royal Bank of Scotland for effectively levying a tax on the poor through their actions; further concurs with Gamblers Anonymous, who have criticised Hanco for locating an ATM in an amusement arcade in Glasgow; and calls on the Royal Bank of Scotland and other high street banks to guarantee the future of free withdrawal facilities at ATMs in disadvantaged areas.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

451 

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Bank services Cash dispensing Fees and charges

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk