MPs are facing demands to protect access to cash amid fears banknotes are on the way out following loss of thousands of ‘hole in the wall’ machines
- Some are paying to get access to money through a commercial cash machine
- And at least 17 councils now refuse to accept cash with more expected to follow
- Industry experts and Which? have now written to Sajid Javid about the issue
Ministers face demands to protect access to cash amid the loss of thousands of ‘hole in the wall’ machines and as more high street outlets and councils reject notes and coins.
Some Britons in poor communities have no choice but to pay up to £2 to get access to their own money through a commercial cash machine, according to research.
At the same time, at least 17 councils now refuse to accept cash, which severely restricts the ability of people to pay for services, with more expected to follow suit.
Some Britons in poor communities have no choice but to pay up to £2 to get access to their own money through a commercial cash machine, according to research (pictured, a ‘hole in the wall’ machine)
In cities such as London, it is impossible to buy a bus ticket with real money, while an increasing number of parking meters, retailers, cafes and bars do not accept cash.
Industry experts from the Access to Cash Review and the consumer group Which? have today written a joint letter to Chancellor Sajid Javid, calling for the Government to implement a cash guarantee.
Chairman of the review, Natalie Ceeney, said: ‘A year ago, leaders in Sweden – the most cashless society in the world – warned us to act now to stop the UK sleepwalking into a cashless society.’
A Treasury spokesman said: ‘We know that many [people] still rely on cash. That’s why we’re co-ordinating work across government, regulators and industry so we can protect access for everyone who needs it.’
Industry experts from the Access to Cash Review and the consumer group Which? have today written a joint letter to Chancellor Sajid Javid (pictured in Finland last week), calling for the Government to implement a cash guarantee.