Proposed changes to the way the UK's cash machine system operates could hit small businesses and poorer communities hard.

That's why the head of the Treasury select committee has asked for clarification on exactly how many of the country's 55,000 free-to-use ATMs could close, as reported by The Guardian.

Link is consulting on cutting the interchange fee that card providers pay to machine operators every time a customer withdraws cash from 25p to 20p. This could lead to some machines becoming economically unviable.

The lobby group, the ATM Industry Association, has warned the changes put forward by the Link network could lead to parts of the UK being without an ATM, with at least 10,000 free-to-use cash machines at risk.

Nicky Morgan, the Conservative head of the parliamentary committee, has asked the chair of the Link network how it will ensure vulnerable customers are not left at a disadvantage by the closures.

Responding to the concerns, Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman, said: "We can't have any more threats to our already dwindling cash machine network. Cash is still king for thousands of small firms, particularly those in tourist hot spots and rural areas with poor connectivity. Any alteration to interchange fees must come with real protections for those with most to lose.

"Reducing incentives for banks to offer cash machines could stop small businesses being able to provide this vital public service."

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