Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to return the use of cash to normal safety levels.

The Government recognises that widespread access to cash is extremely important to the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. The Government is engaging with the financial regulators, including through the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the UK’s cash infrastructure and remains committed to protecting access to cash for those who need it, while supporting digital payments.

At the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that Government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash and ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long-term. The Government is engaging with regulators and industry while designing legislation, ensuring that the approach reflects the needs of cash users across the economy.