The pandemic has seen a further shift away from cash towards electronic payment. I am concerned this has the potential to leave behind some older people and those without access to digital devices or bank cards. Last month I joined Councillor Alistair Chisholm in visiting Howard Street Stores, a popular general convenience store at St Ann’s Close, a large estate with considerable social housing stock. I spoke with Mr Loomba, the shop’s owner, and share his concerns about a charge being imposed on his store’s LINK cash machine. I listened to residents’ concerns many of whom are not in a position to pay regularly for access to their own cash. I have written to Mr John Howells, Chief Executive at LINK and made the case that use of the cash machine should remain free.