Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "Millions of consumers still rely on cash - whether it's to pay for everyday essentials or to help them manage their finances amid the rising cost of living. "However, a slew of bank branch and ATM closures have reduced consumers' ability to access cash, pushing them to alternative services such as Post Offices. While these may play a role in ensuring local communities' cash access needs are met, what's needed most is legislation to protect access to it. "The government should pass the Financial Services and Markets Bill as quickly as parliamentary time allows, giving the Financial Conduct Authority the appropriate powers to oversee the framework of the country's cash system, including determining a local community's access to cash needs based on geographic distances, as well as holding banks to account.
