Cash and Card Payments: Reduction in Availability

Debate between Lord Pitt-Watson and Lord Bailey of Paddington

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

That is a really good question. There are some initiatives from UK Finance that we should commend; for example, its Accessible Cards Code of Practice, where the largest card issuers have committed to common standards for the design of future cards. UK Finance has also developed accessibility guidelines for touch screen chip and PIN devices, as well as an approved list of accessible card terminals and vendors. UK Finance and the British Retail Consortium are working together to identify opportunities to embed these features where customers need them most. However, there is still work to be done, and officials continue to raise the issue with UK Finance. I am more than happy to reinforce that message.

[Lord Bailey of Paddington (Con)]

My Lords, as I am sure the Minister knows, some of the most vulnerable people rely on cash to budget and administer their daily life. As the Minister pointed out, acceptance of cash is voluntary. Will the Government legislate so that essential services are forced to make sure they always accept cash, because some of the most vulnerable people can operate only with cash?

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

There is no current plan for legislation, but this is being monitored. The British Retail Consortium believes that all its members are accepting cash, and I think 99% of corner shops are accepting cash. The Bank of England did a survey where 40% of people accepted that, where they had not been able to use cash, they had found somewhere else where they could get the service they wanted. This remains under review, rather than there being any plan at this stage, but the issue raised is an important one.