Ipswich loses one in 10 cash machines since 2021

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.