FEE-CHARGING ATMS IN POST OFFICES

Early day motion 651, tabled 3 February 2005 by John Robertson (Labour). Signed by 100 members.

That this House views with concern the increasing number of fee-charging ATMs in post offices; notes that up to 78 per cent. of ATMs in post offices now levy a surcharge; is concerned that many people on fixed and low incomes rely on ATMs for access to their state pensions or benefits; is further concerned that many benefit recipients cannot afford to travel elsewhere to use free cash machines and so they are disproportionately affected by this problem; believes that customers of any bank or building society should have the right to withdraw money free of charge if an ATM is located in their post office; notes that the major suppliers of ATMs to the Post Office are the Alliance and Leicester and Hanco; and calls on the Post Office, the Alliance and Leicester and Hanco to guarantee free withdrawals from ATMs in post office premises.

Signatures by party: Labour 64, Liberal Democrat 19, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 2.