15 August 2006

Smith hails success in cash machine campaign

Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West, has welcomed plans by the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Halifax Bank of Scotland to install a free-to-use ATM in Muirhouse.

Ms Smith commented:

“This is a major success in our campaign for increased access to free ATMs in deprived areas. Residents of Muirhouse have previously had no free cash machines in the area and have had to walk for up to 30 minutes to be able to withdraw their money without being charged up to £1.75. For someone on incapacity benefit, this meant up to 8% of their weekly income could have been taken in cash machine charges.

“I have been running a campaign on this issue for the past few months. Along with the Pilton Citizen’s Advice Bureau, I have carried out a survey of the views of residents of the area on this issue. I also tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament which attracted a large amount of cross-party support, calling on MSPs to support the recommendations of the Treasury Select Committee’s 2005 inquiry into cash machine charges.

“I am currently discussing the most suitable location for this new ATM with the banks. Soon, some of the most vulnerable residents of Edinburgh will be able to access their money free of charge. I’m delighted the banks have done the right thing and decided to site a free to use ATM in Muirhouse.”

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