Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to examine the (a) role of cash in the UK and (b) effect of reduced access to cash has on different groups and communities.
Following a programme of currency modernisation we initiated a discussion on payment methods last year, through our Call for Evidence on Cash and Digital Payments in the New Economy. This was launched at Spring Statement 2018. This sought to gather evidence on how changing preferences for cash and digital payments impact on different sectors, regions and demographics. Furthermore, it demonstrated the Government’s intent to explore how cash can remain accessible.
The Government intends to publish a response to this Call for Evidence in due course.