Jenny Ross, Which? Money Editor, said:
“The cash network has already been dramatically eroded, and unless urgent action is taken in the Budget, it’s clear that it will crumble completely.
“Some industry-led initiatives are encouraging, but they cannot stem the tide of bank branch and cash machine closures alone, and without legislation many more communities will be cut off from cash or forced to pay hefty fees to access their own money.
“The new chancellor must seize this opportunity and guarantee long-term access to cash in the Budget, while developing a clear strategy to ensure that the transition to digital payments doesn’t leave anyone behind.”