FEE-CHARGING ATM MACHINES

Early day motion 451, tabled 10 January 2005 by John Robertson (Labour). Signed by 117 members.

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House condemns the policy of high street banks to sell off their non-branch based ATM machines; notes that many have been replaced by ATMs which charge an average of ú1.50 per withdrawal; further notes that fee-charging ATMs are disproportionately located in poorer areas where few people can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.

Signatures by party: Labour 82, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 8, DUP 3, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.