Silver Voices, a campaign group representing state pensioners, has launched a major new petition urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to protect the use of cash in the economy. The group, led by Dennis Reed, is calling on the Makerfield MP to introduce legislation that underpins the vital role of cash, as businesses increasingly move to online-only payment systems.
Petition targets cashless trend
The petition aims to persuade the Government to act on the threats to the cash economy and the rise of online-only payment systems. Silver Voices argues that the shift towards digital payments is excluding millions of people who rely on cash, including pensioners and low-income households.
Dennis Reed, the group's leader, highlighted the widespread nature of the problem: “From car parks to leisure facilities and events, to shops and stalls, we face notices saying no cash or cheques. They may as well say no pensioners or low-income households, because that is the impact.”
Exclusion of non-digital users
The petition stresses that millions of people do not possess a smartphone, do not know how to download apps, or are not online at all, and are being treated as second-class citizens. It cites the example of Alicia, a 67-year-old from Devon, who takes out cash every week to help her budget. Although she has a smartphone, she refuses to download apps to make payments.
“Cash is so important to me as it is easy to budget using physical money, with digital payments it is easy to lose track of what you spend,” Alicia told the group. She also noted the benefits for small businesses, solo traders, and charities, as they avoid transaction fees and find cash convenient to collect. Alicia is an active supporter of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Security and system failures
Alicia added, “Security is a major concern for me too, if someone steals your cash they can’t get access to your bank account. And electronic systems fail so often, if you just have a card or smartphone, you are stuck!”
The campaign comes amid growing concerns about the decline of cash usage and its impact on vulnerable groups. Silver Voices is urging the Government to take legislative action to ensure cash remains accessible and accepted across the economy.
