Age UK comments on new analysis by Which? highlighting poor ATM provision across the UK

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “It’s unacceptable that so many communities are being left without access to cash. The steady withdrawal of free cashpoints up and down the country shows we are drifting towards becoming a cashless society, with nowhere near enough consideration being shown for those who are being left behind.  

“Many older people rely on cash: it helps them budget effectively if they’re on a tight income, pay back a carer or friend who makes small purchases on their behalf, and if they’re not online or in an area with poor connectivity it’s an essential back up if other ways to pay don’t work for them. These are the people who need continuing access to a convenient and affordable payment method that they can trust.

“The Government must work closely with the payments industry to ensure that we have payment systems in place that everyone can easily use, including many older people and those on a low income who are more reliant on cash.”

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

Age UK

We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).