The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has just submitted evidence to the Treasury’s call for evidence on in-person banking services, highlighting the importance of the access to cash and other banking services that are regularly offered through the convenience sector.
The call for evidence looks to identify the in-person banking services that are the most essential and important to consumers, the harm being done by not providing such services and the future trajectory of these in the UK.
Recent polling in the ACS’ Community Barometer on how people use their shops finds that 28% use it for Post Office services, 22% to withdraw cash and 8% to pay bills over the counter or to top up their electricity.
The ACS said its response to the call for evidence sets out the services commonplace in the convenience sector, but has also cautioned that these services are not significant revenue generators for retailers and are often offered for the benefit for the community rather than for commercial reasons.
On the provision of services, the ACS’ Local Shop Report this year showed that 82% of convenience stores offer bill payment services, 70% offer cashback, 41% host a free-to-use ATM and 18% host a Post Office. For many customers, particularly those who are cash-reliant or digitally excluded, these functions have no realistic digital substitute.
ACS’ submission notes that convenience stores are increasingly becoming the only place locally where people can access in-person banking services, including those used by other small businesses seeking to deposit cash.
ACS chief executive, Ed Woodall (left), said: “Convenience stores are increasingly becoming the only place locally where people can access their cash and in-person banking services. These services are essential for a number of reasons, including supporting customers with budgeting, as many use cash to monitor their spending and manage their money more effectively.
“The most effective action the Government can take to ensure that these services are retained is to take pressure off the cost of trading for retailers. When costs increase and businesses are under pressure, low margin services are at risk - this is a situation retailers want to avoid at all costs.
“We urge the new Chancellor to look at ways to mitigate the cost of employment and business rates in particular at the next Budget.”
More details about the call for evidence can be found here.
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