Reed Slams ATM Charges in Post Offices As Research Show They Hit Society’s Poorest

Loughborough MP Andy Reed has backed a Parliamentary motion slamming ATM charges in Post Offices – as it was revealed that society’s poorest are hit most frequently by the surcharge.

78% of Post Office ATMs now levy a surcharge on those withdrawing cash. Many people on fixed incomes or benefits cannot afford to travel elsewhere to use free cash machines and so they are forced to use the Post Office machines and therefore they are disproportionately affected by this problem.

Reed said:

“There is no reason for this surcharge other than greed on the part of the banks and companies supplying the ATM machines. It is disgusting that the poorest in society are having their income taken away by this corporate greed.

“I would like to call on those concerned to stop this practise and ensure that all Post Office ATMs are made free for all local users.

“I have brought this matter up in Parliament and will continue the fight for those locally in Loughborough who are becoming victims of the system.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

EARLY DAY MOTION – Fee-Charging ATMs in Post Offices
That this House views with concern the increasing number of fee-charging ATMs in post offices; notes that up to 78% 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 & Leicester and Hanco; calls on the Post Office, the Alliance & Leicester and Hanco to guarantee free withdrawals from ATMs in post office premises.