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# Ipswich loses one in 10 cash machines since 2021
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-loses-one-in-10-cash-machines-since-2021/
- Published: 2024-11-27T10:22:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:29:21.000Z
- Description: Ipswich has lost 11 ATMs in three years, with the total falling from 119 to 108 since June 2021, mirroring a nationwide decline in cash machines.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**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

![An ATM at Barclays in Ipswich town centre](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1730887426-barclays-atm-town-centre-ipswich-1.jpg)

A Barclays ATM in Ipswich town centre Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**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.

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