The government says ‘cash is here to stay’ – but I wouldn’t bank on it

While bossing the banks around will receive some popular approval, writes Chris Blackhurst, the government already possesses a ready-made solution for the cash access problem – they just haven’t noticed

Many people are uncomfortable with digital banking, and for them cash will always be king (PA)

There must be a general election looming. Suddenly, the Tories announce new rules on free access to cash withdrawals.

What’s wrong with that, you might think – seems sensible enough. The trouble is it does not stand up to scrutiny. It’s been rushed and not thought through – seemingly designed to make them look good and caring. But peer under the booster headline and it soon falls apart.

People living in urban areas must be able to withdraw cash from an ATM or face-to-face within one mile; in rural districts, the limit is three miles.