There are some positive signs. The number of cash withdrawals in the UK is actually on the rise for the third year in a row and, on Sunday, the ride-hailing app Uber announced it will allow passengers across most of the UK to pay in cash. [3]
But we can’t rely on individual businesses to make these decisions by themselves. We need the government to mandate cash acceptance right across the country so no matter what shop, supermarket, or pub you want to pay in John, they have to accept the cash you give them.
We haven’t ended up here by accident. This move to a cashless society has been pushed on us by big banks and card companies, like Mastercard and Visa, because it’s in their interest for us to use their digital services but we shouldn’t let our money and payments system be designed and run for profit.
Cash is a lifeline for millions of people; including refugees, the homeless, victims of domestic and economic abuse, and the elderly, and it has lots of benefits too. It ensures privacy, it’s convenient, and it’s immune from technical faults and cyber attacks. [4]
After winning crucial protections on free access to cash back in 2023, now it’s time for the government to take this next step and protect our ability to use it. [5] Because access and acceptance are two sides of the same coin John, so let’s win together again.
