Business

MP Crabb welcomes changes to ensure free access to cash at ATMs in Pembrokeshire

Published

1 year ago

May 29, 2023

STEPHEN CRABB, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to ensure a legal right of free cash for millions of people. The move will mean that all including the most vulnerable in society can continue to withdraw and deposit cash for free.

The amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, means that the financial services regulator will have the legal power to preserve access to cash – free to consumers at the point of withdrawal or deposit – for those who need it.

The Government Minister responsible for the Bill, Andrew Griffith MP, said that whilst speed, and convenience of digital payments opens a world of opportunity for people and businesses, the reality is that so many still depend upon access to cash, particularly the elderly or those who use cash to manage their finances. This is especially true in rural parts of the country, in places like Pembrokeshire.

Following the decision, MP Crabb commented: “Pembrokeshire operates under a strong cash economy, with many people relying on free withdrawals and deposits of cash on the high street. The ability to make deposits is particularly important to support small businesses own ability to take cash.”

“Back in 2020, I wrote to the Chancellor on the need to secure access to cash, and I am pleased to see that concrete action has now been taken. I know that this change will be important for the elderly and most vulnerable in Pembrokeshire who frequently use cash as their choice of payment.”

Mr Crabb’s comments to this newspaper come the UK government has agreed to legally mandate banks to provide customers with easily accessible free cash services on high streets. This decision comes amidst a surge in bank branch closures over the past year and a continual decline in the number of free-to-use cash machines.

The reduction in access to cash or banking facilities poses challenges for individuals who rely on physical currency, particularly the elderly, affecting their ability to conduct everyday tasks such as banking and shopping.

Baroness Ros Altmann, who was instrumental in driving this legislative change and received support from Life Peers across the political spectrum, lauded the development, saying, “It is great news and about time there was recognition of the role played by cash in many people’s lives.”

According to government data, over two million individuals aged 70 and above do not have internet access, preventing them from conducting online banking and rendering them reliant on physical bank services.

Over the past 15 months, major banks have closed nearly 900 branches, leaving around 5,000 remaining. Although the number of free-to-use ATMs only declined by four percent last year, over the past five years, more than 15,000 cash machines have vanished from high streets.

Consumer group Which? emphasised that without the amendment proposed by Baroness Altmann, the objective of safeguarding access to cash through the new legislation would have been undermined, as numerous free-to-use ATMs were being closed or replaced with fee-charging machines.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, emphasised the importance of free cash access for those on lower incomes, as some fee-charging ATMs impose fees of up to £2. She stated, “We have campaigned to ensure that laws protect free access to cash and are delighted the Government agrees that people should not have to pay fees to access their own money.”

John Howells, Chief Executive of cash machine network Link, welcomed the strengthened legislation, describing it as a significant step forward. Link has already intervened to protect 3,400 free-to-use cash machines from closure and, through a partnership with banks, recommended the establishment of over 100 banking hubs in communities where all branches have been shuttered. Cash Access UK, funded by the banks, is responsible for opening these hubs, and a few have already been established, including one in Troon, South Ayrshire.

Howells emphasised the need to protect access to cash, as approximately five million people still rely on physical currency despite its declining usage.

Tulip Siddiq, the Shadow City Minister, urged the government to go further and adopt Labour’s policy of safeguarding face-to-face banking services to ensure that no individual is left without essential services.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

12 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

16 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.