Cash and Card Payments: Reduction in Availability

Baroness Prosser Excerpts

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

As I have explained, the choice is entirely voluntary for the people who accept cash right now. Some 99% of members of the local shop association are accepting cash right now. I realise that there are some fixed costs in accepting cash and that that makes it more and more costly. That is why, as I say, this is under observation by the Government, to make sure that we do not slip to a point where people are not able to buy the things that they need.

[Baroness Prosser (Lab)]

My Lords, I ask the House not to forget the purpose of this Question, which was to ensure that there is access to machinery for those who are either blind or partially sighted. We have moved on to other issues, which are of course important, but the whole point of the Question was to ensure that people with sight issues can access such equipment as is available. Please do not forget that.

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

That is absolutely right. The Government recognise that individuals with visual impairments must be able to pay for products easily and safely. Considerable progress is being made on cards, but there is some progress still to be made on how chip and PIN services are used. I will reinforce that message from the House with UK Finance.