Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government is taking to help digitally enfranchise the elder generation and vulnerable groups as cash use becomes less accepted in society.

The government is committed to the aim of ensuring that people, regardless of their background or income, have access to useful and affordable digital financial products and services.

Access to a bank account is an important way to help achieve this. The government has legislated to require the nine largest personal current account providers in the UK to provide basic bank accounts, so customers are equipped with a bank card and can access digital banking and payment services. As of June 2022, 7.4 million basic bank accounts were open. In addition, like all service providers, banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.

To facilitate the adoption of digital services more broadly, the government is also supporting the roll-out of digital connectivity across the UK and improving access to digital skills training for adults.

The government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK including those in vulnerable groups. The government is taking legislation to protect access to cash across the UK through Parliament as part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Further details can be found on the Parliament website: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3326