The map above shows East India & Lansbury ward in the borough of Tower Hamlets, probably the most deprived ward in London (fascinating GLA deprivation statistics here). Green markers on the map show ATMs that allow for free withdrawals: red markers are those that charge, with the price of a withdrawal ranging from £1.50 to £3.00 within this one area.
The Animal is fortunate to live in a moderately well off area: whilst the nearest cash machine will charge me, I can walk a couple of minutes and access my own money without being charged for the privilege. If I lived in East India & Lansbury, there is a good chance that wouldn’t be a possibility, simply because the banks have decided it wouldn’t be profitable to provide my low-income neighbourhood with a cash machine. And whilst I wince at being charged £3.00 for a withdrawal, at least it doesn’t amount to more than half an hour’s pre-tax salary as it would if I was subsisting on the minimum wage. (more…)
