‘Appalling that shops can refuse cash’ — readers react to UK going cashless
Some 5.4 million Britons depend on money however a rise within the variety of card and on-line funds signifies that it’s changing into more and more tough to spend money on the excessive avenue.
Last week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rejected a Tory MP’s name for outlets and institutions to be mandated to simply accept money funds.
He defined: “We know that cash continues to be used by millions of people, particularly those in vulnerable groups…but as technology and consumer behaviour changes, it is right that organisations themselves should be able to choose the forms of payment that they will accept.”
In her query to the Prime Minister, Newton Abbott MP Anne Marie Morris cited analysis by LINK, the UK’s largest money machine community, which has discovered 45 p.c of Britons have been someplace the place money has not been accepted or discouraged.
This has sparked fears that the UK is heading in direction of a cashless society, a transfer that greater than 9 in 10 Express.co.uk readers are anxious about, a new poll has proven.
In a ballot that ran from 1pm on Thursday, June 22, to three.15pm on Wednesday, June 28, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Are you worried about the UK becoming a cashless society?”
Overall, 1,006 votes have been forged with the overwhelming majority of readers, 92 p.c (922 individuals) answering “yes” they’re anxious, whereas eight p.c (81 individuals) stated “no” they aren’t. An extra three individuals stated they didn’t know.
In the feedback left beneath the accompanying article, readers took part in a lively debate on the future of cash.
Many readers shared their fears about money changing into much less broadly accepted, with username goodnessme remarking: “I find it quite appalling that shops and businesses refuse to accept the countries legal tender via cash payment.”
Username johnheppell agreed, writing: “It is wrong that businesses choose what means of payment they accept.”
Another reader, username fewwef stated: “Anyone who welcomes this is not thinking straight. It is lethal, it means the Government and other agencies know all your business and there is nothing private. Why should we hand over this power to our Government. It should not be happening and people need to say no.”
Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices over-60s marketing campaign group has expressed concern on the affect of a cashless society on older Britons. He stated: “We get regular reports from members that they are finding it difficult to access and spend cash. It’s another isolating factor for older people and it’s of great concern.”
Other readers have been extra welcoming concerning the UK heading in direction of a cashless society. Username SaraMay stated: “Having everyone paying by card makes less work for shopkeepers and their staff.”
Some readers had made the change for the reason that pandemic, with username twowords writing: “I’m still not using cash following Covid. It just doesn’t seem necessary!”
Likewise, username Bain stated: “I don’t want to touch something that has remnants of other people’s faecal matter, sweat and urine on it. It’s 2023, why are we still sharing that stuff? Card or smartwatch is much better.”
The use of money has continued to fall in recent times with simply 15 p.c of transactions being made with notes and cash in 2021. Card and digital funds are actually the most well-liked amongst Britons.
Username P1947 shared their expertise of dwelling with out money, writing: “I’m 76 and because l was sick of people saying that old people wouldn’t manage in a cashless society, I took on the challenge. I have been 100 percent cashless for the past two years. Best thing I ever did — so easy.”