To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to banking services for individuals who rely primarily on cash because of digital exclusion.

The Government is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority is the regulator responsible for access to cash further to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, with powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free withdrawal services for individuals.

The FCA published its final rules on access to cash on 24 July. Under its rules, designated firms will be required to undertake assessments of a community’s cash needs following the closure of a service or a community request, and to put in a new service if necessary. These rules come into force on 18 September.

The Government also recognises the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and has committed to work closely with the banks to roll out 350 banking hubs over the next five years.