WEST Dunbartonshire's MP has given his backing to a campaign aiming to protect access to cash for people living in the area.

Martin Docherty-Hughes called for the UK Government to take action as concerns grow about the impact of rising costs on disadvantaged communities.

The importance of using cash for household budgeting – particularly amongst vulnerable groups and the elderly – has been highlighted by the ‘Save Our Cash’ campaign, which Mr Docherty-Hughes is backing.

The number of free-to-use ATMs in West Dunbartonshire has dropped by 27 per cent in the last four years, according to LINK, which runs the UK’s network of cash machines.

This coupled with closures of local bank branches has meant residents are being forced to travel further for access to cash or having to pay to withdraw their own money.

Martin Docherty-Hughes previously met with Nick Quin, LINK’s head of financial inclusion, to raise concerns about the decline in free-to-use cash machines in the region.

He has also had discussions with Natalie Ceeney, chair of the ndependent access to cash review, about the impact local bank closures are having on communities and the need to maintain access to cash.

The House of Commons is set to return from summer recess next week, and it is expected that UK legislation to protect access to money is expected to be brought forward as part of the Financial Services Bill.

MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster recently recommended that the UK Government legislates to guarantee access to cash and basic banking services for all.

Proposals in the committee's report include the introduction of shared banking hubs, enhanced Post Offices, and making 'cashback without purchase' available in shops.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “Protecting access to cash is vital to my constituents in West Dunbartonshire, especially amongst disadvantaged groups and the elderly. 

“The pandemic may have accelerated contactless payments, but as the cost-of-living crisis worsens more people are relying on cash to help with household budgeting. 

“The rapid removal of banks and free-to-use ATMs across Scotland has been alarming.

"The Post Office network has helped fill that void, but without further action by the UK government many of the most vulnerable face being financially excluded. 

“It also impacts local small businesses and traders, because we know that cash withdrawn in the community tends to be spent in the community. 

“It’s time for the UK government to step up and deliver on its promises to protect access to cash in communities.

"I will be pressing for the action needed to support our local economy.”