City watchdog to ensure banks provide access to cash across UK

The rules will stop short of protecting bank branches and will more likely mean banks provide access to free-to-use ATMs. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The City watchdog will be handed powers to ensure local communities across the UK have access to cash and could ultimately fine banks that fail to comply.

Under the government’s pending financial services bill, the Financial Conduct Authority will be in charge of making sure the UK’s largest banking and building societies give consumers access to withdrawal and deposit facilities such as ATMs within a “reasonable” distance from their community.