NON-CHARGING ATMS

That this House expresses its concern at the proposals of high street banks to end non-charging cash machines; is concerned that this is a particular problem for people whose state benefits are paid into their bank accounts, and who are therefore charged simply for receiving their benefits; calls on the high street banks to guarantee the future of free withdrawal facilities, especially at ATMs in disadvantaged areas; and further calls on the Government to use their influence to dissuade the banking sector from a policy that is tantamount to collective punishment, and a tax on the poor who will take out small amounts of money on a frequent basis.