# Fund launched to give communities access to a free ATM

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/10/02/fund-launched-to-give-communities-access-to-a-free-atm/
- Published: 2019-10-02T11:16:51+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Cash machine network Link has set aside a fund of £1 million to pay for free-to-
use cash machines (ATM) in communities that are finding it hard to access cash.**

LINK will fund the installation of new ATMs in areas with poor free access “to protect
local high streets and vulnerable consumers”. As a result consumers will be able
to request a free ATM from LINK when it is needed.

Its Community Access to Cash Delivery Fund is designed to support the UK Finance’s
new Community Access to Cash Initiative. This provides grant support and industry
guidance for local communities’ free cash access and the adoption of alternative
solutions where an ATM is not appropriate or required.

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Many ATMs have been removed in response to the decline in cash usage. In addition
consumer organisation Which? has reported that [free-to-use cash machines have been disappearing faster in deprived areas](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49730367)
than in affluent ones.

 

## How to apply

Local communities will shortly be able to apply:

 * through their MP
 * local council
 * or to request help directly from LINK.

LINK has established criteria for free-to-use cash machines which includes:

 * the distance to the nearest free ATM
 * availability of a Post Office
 * whether there is a suitable location

Application information will be [available from LINK](http://www.link.co.uk) from**
November 2019**.

 

## Pilot free ATMs

In August LINK announced five new pilot sites in Battle, Bungay, Nuneaton, Tywyn
in Wales, and Durness in Scotland, where a new ATM would be directly commissioned.
These new ATMs will be funded by a levy on LINK’s bank and building society members.

More sites that will get a free ATM have already been identified and are Deal, Ebbw
Vale, Margate, Middleton, Wilmslow and York.

John Howells, LINK CEO said: “This is an important development which will allow 
communities to directly contact LINK and get things done to help consumers. LINK
is looking forward to getting the first requests for ATMs so we can help solve access
to cash issues across the whole UK.”

 

_Main image: Ed Nix for LINK_

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