Plans confirmed to provide poor communities with free cash machines

The National Federation of SubPostmasters has joined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and NatWest to install free cash machines in some of the poorest communities in the UK.

Sub post offices in deprived areas have already been allocated 100 new machines, with a further 200 set to be given to other regions, with 27 sites already agreed.

The locations to receive the new ATMs include town halls, housing estates and convenience stores.

Gordon Pell, chief executive of retail markets at RBS, explained that the provision of free-to-use cash machines in certain areas is an important factor in societies if they are to function healthily.

"Lack of free access to cash can badly affect the most vulnerable people in society. Having a free-to-use cash machine close by can make a real difference to the elderly, disabled and those living on a very low income," Mr Pell said.

Many of the most deprived communities in the UK are currently covered by the sub post office network and it is hoped that subpostmasters’ businesses will be aided by the project as well as local residents.