Why it matters: The reduction in ATMs could affect residents who rely on cash, particularly elderly people who may not use digital banking.
By the numbers:
108 ATMs currently in Ipswich
96 are free to use
12 charge fees
9% reduction in Ipswich compared to an 11% reduction in the East of England
The bigger picture: The 9% decline in Ipswich since June 2021 reflects a broader trend across Britain:
The UK has lost 5,500 ATMs since June 2021
London and South West worst affected, losing one in seven machines
Rutland hit hardest, losing half its cash machines
What they're saying: Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, says free access to cash is "absolutely vital" for older people, many of whom don't manage money online.
New protections: The Financial Conduct Authority introduced rules in September requiring banks to:
Consider community impact before closing branches
Check if more services are needed before removing ATMs
The silver lining: Fee-charging machines are disappearing faster than free ones:
Over 20% of charging ATMs closed since 2021
Only 6% of free machines removed
Bottom line: While Ipswich's ATM network is shrinking, 96 free machines remain. LINK, which runs the UK's cash machine network, says 93% of people still live within a mile of free cash access.
