Press Room

RBS and NatWest to Invest in an Initial 300 Free to Use Cash Machines in UK's Poorest Communities
(28 July 2006)

RBS and NatWest, the UK's leading community bank, is to install an initial 300 new free to use cash machines in the poorest communities in the UK.

With over 6,300 free cash machines, RBS and NatWest are already the largest provider of free to use ATMS in the UK. The Bank's newest initiative recognises the reliance on free cash machines, especially by those people of limited financial means.

RBS and NatWest are seeking the advice and support from relevant MPs, credit unions and community leaders, to ensure that the most appropriate locations in the UK benefit.

Cash machine usage has shot-up over the last three years with a 28% increase in withdrawals and a 37% increase in balance enquiries.

As part of the new initiative, RBS has already installed three free to use machines, two in Scotland and one in England. A machine has already been located in the London Borough of Harrow's council offices, alongside social housing payments. The other two machines have been installed in Scotland after working closely with John Robertson, MP, to identify suitable sites in his constituency. The first machine has been installed in Partick, Glasgow, in the local Woolworth's store, while a second machine has been installed in the Yoker Credit Union.

RBS is also inviting anyone who believes that their area qualifies for a free to use cash machine, to log onto our dedicated web link www.rbs.com/freecashmachines and register their request. This will ensure that RBS will not only receive the views and opinions of the heads of local communities, but also the individuals who actually live in these communities.

Gordon Pell, Chief Executive of Retail Markets at RBS, said: "If there's a will in local communities to find suitable sites, we have a way to make it happen and ensure those with the greatest need have free access to their cash. The initiative is designed to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society, the elderly, disabled, those of limited financial means or whose benefits constitute all or the bulk of their income, have free access to their cash close to their point of need.

"By working in conjunction with local MPs, local authorities, credit unions and the communities they represent, to identify potential sites, the poorest areas in the UK will soon have free access to their cash, via machines located in their local area."

Note to editors:

RBS and NatWest will be welcoming applications on their web site, www.rbs.com/freecashmachines, for the next two months.

NatWest is part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and the new free to use cash machines will be branded as either RBS or NatWest as appropriate.