2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2021 2.2 As highlighted by the Committee, in recent years, the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card payments and other digital payment methods. The government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK and there are a range of ways and reasons for people to use cash. These can include the importance of cash as a symbol of independence, as well as an important budgeting tool, and as a way that elderly or vulnerable people can access social opportunities. 2.3 The government has committed to protecting access to cash to ensure those that rely on cash are not left behind. To date, the PSR has used its regulatory powers to make sure LINK – the UK’s main ATM network - delivers on its public commitments to maintain the existing geographic spread of free-to-use ATMs. Furthermore, it has encouraged LINK to develop additional initiatives, such as LINK’s ATM Community Request scheme and Retail Centre Policy. Collectively, these actions help to ensure that communities, including those in remote and deprived locations, continue to have access to free-to-use machines. 2.4 The Call for Evidence on Access to Cash set out that the government considers that flexibility and proportionality will be important criteria to meet the needs of individuals and businesses, including those in vulnerable groups, and invited views from all stakeholders. The government is considering the responses and will seek to set out its next steps in due course.