New access to cash trial rolls out in eight locations across the UK - including an army barracks

Eight locations across Britain have been chosen to take part in an initiative to help improve communities’ access to cash.

Organisers hope they will inform debate over the future of cash in the UK, particularly for those who rely on it.

The Community Access to Cash Pilot will test new subsidised ATMs and local cash deposit centres for retailers.

It comes as a new forecast suggests cash use will fall faster in the UK than in much of Europe.

The areas which successfully applied to take part in the Community Access to Cash Pilot (CACP) initiative will work with the banking industry to look at solutions to keeping cash viable for people and businesses.

Ways to make improvements could include, for example, installing new ATMs, having a place for retailers to deposit cash locally, or sharing bank branch facilities.

There will also be a focus on “digital inclusion”. Better broadband connections or improved digital skills could be ways to help people to access money.

Solutions could vary depending on the needs of a community.

The locations chosen are Ampthill in Bedforshire, Burslem in Staffordshire, Botton Village in North Yorkshire, Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, Denny in Falkirk, Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Lulworth Camp, and Rochford in Essex.

Lulworth Camp is a military barracks in Dorset, miles away from the nearest cash machine.

Further locations will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The pilot initiative is led by Natalie Ceeney, who chaired the Access to Cash Review. The findings will be published in early 2021.

Cash use has plummeted during the coronavirus outbreak, with many shops encouraging people to pay by card and people visiting ATMs less often.

According to UK Finance, 7.4 million people rarely or never used cash in 2019 - but 2.1 million used cash regularly.

Ceeney said: “Over the past decade we’ve seen a massive shift from cash to digital payments, and Covid-19 has accelerated that trend further.

“But we know that digital payments don’t yet work for everyone, and for many individuals and communities, cash remains essential.

“But the world is changing – we can’t just ‘magic’ back our old bank branch and ATM infrastructure. Instead, we need to use innovation to develop new solutions as well as harness tried and tested approaches to meet people’s needs.”

John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, said: “I look forward to seeing the progress made by the pilots, as the Government develops legislation to protect access to cash, and would like to thank Natalie Ceeney CBE for her work on this important issue.”

Martin Kearsley, banking director at the Post Office, said: “This initiative will help bring real focus onto robust and sustainable solutions for many people living in smaller towns and rural communities who rely on easy access to cash.