The Banking Framework is an agreement with all of the main UK banks and building societies to provide free to use cash services for those that need it, right across the UK. Thanks to this agreement, Postmasters are helping their communities to continue withdrawing and depositing cash in areas where there are no other banking services. The agreement covers 3 year cycles, and we are in the process of securing our third Banking Framework Agreement.

While the framework that enables Post Office to provide this vital service for people is hugely positive, it is also fragile because it depends entirely on a commercial agreement between the banks and Post Office to support it.

Each bank has a choice about the services to offer via this agreement and everyone wants to see that continue. Whether it is through the Post Office or some other channel, we think you should be able to withdraw and deposit your cash somewhere close to you.

That is why we are campaigning for Government to place an obligation on banks to provide nationwide free-to-use cash services for both consumers and businesses who rely on cash day-to-day.