Norfolk ATM Numbers Fall Nearly a Third — Report Warns of Growing Cash Access Concerns

Cash access in Norfolk under pressure as ATM numbers fall

A Norfolk County Council report has found that the number of cash machines across the county has dropped sharply, raising concerns about access to physical money for many residents and businesses.

Key findings: The study, using data from Link (which oversees the UK's ATM network), shows ATMs in Norfolk fell from 784 in 2019 to 536 in 2025. Over the same period, cash withdrawals fell from £1.3bn to £881m — a decline of almost £420m.

The council warned that, despite the pandemic accelerating digital payments, "cash remains vital for many residents and businesses, particularly those facing digital exclusion, low income or vulnerability." Many people in parts of Norfolk now face at least a mile's journey to their nearest ATM. Smaller organisations are also "disproportionally impacted by card fees or are vulnerable to breakdowns in digital connectivity."

Local services and responses

The report highlights the growing importance of post offices — and, to a lesser extent, banking hubs — in maintaining access to cash and related services. Link said it evaluates local needs when an ATM, bank branch or post office closes and may support free-to-use ATMs, improvements to post offices or the creation of banking hubs where needed.

"Whenever an ATM, post office or bank branch closes in Norfolk, we will look at what the local community needs, whether that is a free-to-use ATM, improvements at the local post office or in some cases a banking hub." — Nick Quin, Link's head of financial inclusion

Councillors' reactions

At a council infrastructure committee meeting, Conservative councillor Christopher Dawson — who requested the investigation — said: "It's the coin of the realm; we need to protect that." He also expressed concern that charities could lose donations as cash use declines.

Lib Dem Rob Colwell, who said he personally rarely uses cash, called the report an eye-opener and urged the council to seek funding for digital training to reduce exclusion, while Green Party councillor Catherine Rowett warned that full reliance on digital payments could leave the country "very insecure." Labour's Chrissie Rumsby described witnessing "chaos" and "panic" when card systems failed in shops, stressing: "Tech is wonderful when it's working, but it doesn't always work."

What this means

The findings underline a transition towards fewer physical banking points and greater reliance on digital payments — a trend that poses practical challenges for people without reliable internet access, those on low incomes, older residents and small businesses. The report recommends monitoring closures, supporting alternative cash access points, and funding training to reduce digital exclusion.