Craig Williams, the Welsh Conservative Member of Parliament representing Montgomeryshire, has expressed his support for the recently unveiled UK Government initiative aimed at safeguarding convenient access to cash for residents and businesses in the area.

The framework, officially introduced by the Treasury on the 18th of August, outlines a comprehensive strategy that guarantees individuals and enterprises in Montgomeryshire will have access to cash withdrawal facilities within a three-mile radius.

This framework establishes a baseline of expectations for financial institutions, compelling them to prioritize and uphold vital services associated with cash deposits and withdrawals. Under the new arrangement, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will wield enhanced legal powers to ensure the uninterrupted provision of cash access services, all while eliminating any charges tied to cash withdrawals.

Central to the framework's provisions is the stipulation that if a local branch or ATM is slated for closure, necessitating the need for a replacement service within the region, banks and building societies will be mandated to establish this alternative before proceeding with the closure. Non-compliance with these stringent standards will expose financial institutions to substantial penalties, as wielded by the newly strengthened FCA.

Craig Williams MP, buoyed by the introduction of these legislative changes, remarked:

"In an era dominated by digital transactions, it's important not to overlook the enduring significance of cash in the lives of countless individuals and businesses across Montgomeryshire. I'm pleased to witness proactive measures being taken to enshrine access to cash as a legal right, ensuring that the ability to make free withdrawals and avail cash facilities remains accessible within a three-mile radius in our rural communities, and within one mile in urban districts."

"This progressive initiative stands to benefit every cash user in Montgomeryshire, with financial institutions compelled to uphold these standards or face substantial fines. These measures are intricately aligned with broader governmental efforts to preserve cash access, a commitment further underscored by the imminent opening of the Welshpool Banking Hub later this year."