Ref: LCO-025

Proposed Improving Access to Financial Services Legislative Competence Order

Christopher Franks

Pre-ballot Information: Outline Proposed Legislative Competence Order

Outline of proposed Order

This order will require an amendment to Schedule 5 Field 12 of the Government of Wales Act to make provision to improve access to Automated Tele Machines in low income communities.

Pre-ballot Information: Explanatory Memorandum

Policy Objectives of the Proposed Order

Numerous communities in Wales have little access to ATMs.

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the vulnerability of low income families to exclusion and debt by ensuring they have the best possible chance of having access to cash machines without facing charges they are unable to afford.

The costs of provision of free ATMS are prohibitive in some areas.  The costs can be mitigated by de rating premises or parts of premises where the ATMS provided need to link to the areas concerned.  Similar action has been taken in Scotland.