Commenting on the FCA’s plan to protect access to cash for consumers, Robin Fieth, BSA Chief Executive, said:
 
“Building societies account for 28% of branches, up from 14% in 2013, demonstrating the important role that societies see for branches in providing access to cash, and to face-to-face services more broadly.
 
“Building society and credit union branches can be a vital alternative to banking hubs, with some offering universal deposit ATMs that support access to cash for households and small businesses. Banks that are withdrawing from the high street should be required to consider these machines as an option for filling gaps in cash access, and ensure that they are funded sustainably where they are the right approach.”

Ends

Notes:

Nationwide and Cumberland are defined as 'designated' building societies under the FCA rules for the access to cash regime.