Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to secure long-term access to cash to support (a) people on low incomes, (b) vulnerable people, (c) disadvantaged communities and (d) businesses in the UK unable to effectively operate without cash.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people and businesses across the UK, including those who may be on low incomes or vulnerable. That is why Government has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation.

To inform the development of this legislation, the Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system.