Are we witnessing the end of cash in parts of Norwich?

Analysis by cash machine network Link has shown a dramatic fall in the use of ATMs over the past four years.

Since spring 2019, parts of the UK have seen a fall of 60pc in ATM withdrawals and Norwich seems to be no different.

READ MORE: Norwich MP pleads with bank to keep city branch open

With a whopping 59.6pc drop, the Norwich South parliamentary constituency has been ranked eighth in the UK for biggest falls in transactions according to Link.

The analysis shows that since the Covid pandemic, there has been an average decline nationally of 40pc, showing Norwich South to be well above that average.

John Howells, chief executive of Link, said: “Deprivation is the biggest single indicator of cash dependency.”

READ MORE: 3 in 10 Norwich kids live 'in poverty' but MP insists jobs for parents are available

Norwich Evening News: There has been a national decline in the use of cash machines of 40pc between 2019 and 2023 There has been a national decline in the use of cash machines of 40pc between 2019 and 2023 (Image: PA Wire)

Evidence suggests it’s the larger cities and richer constituencies that are able to go cashless quicker, with poorer constituencies relying on cash, particularly as a “budgeting tool” during the cost of living crisis.

The statistics arrive as bank branches continue to close, with the latest announcement being from Natwest, which is closing its Mile Cross branch in October, with the nearby HSBC branch to close on July 25.

Explaining closures across the country, NatWest has said: “Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services."

READ MORE: Half of pay and display machines in Norwich going contactless

Cash machines remain widely available across all areas but it seems the move towards contactless payments, particularly since the pandemic, has brought behavioural change.

UK parliamentary constituencies with the biggest falls in transactions between May 2019 and May 2023

1. Cities of London and Westminster, 64.1pc fall

2. Bristol West, 63.7pc fall

3. Holborn and St Pancras, 63.1pc fall

4. Edinburgh North and Leith, 62.6pc fall

5. Edinburgh East, 62.5pc fall

6. York Central, 60.2pc fall

7. Edinburgh South, 59.9pc fall

8. Norwich South, 59.6pc fall

9. Glasgow Central, 59.5pc fall

10. Bath, 59.2pc fall