Havering Conservatives lodge motion to ask council to protect access to cash.

Havering Conservatives have lodged a motion asking Havering Council to ‘Protect and promote access to cash’. With the Resident’s Association proposing an amendment that the council carries out an ‘impact assessment as it modernises’.

Councillor David Taylor prepared the motion to protect those who prefer, or need, to use cash. 

“We all know someone who relies on cash”, Mr Taylor said. “Maybe your nan asks you to grab her shopping. Perhaps you know someone who struggles to control their spending and who relies on cash to keep on budget”. 

Councillor Taylor views cashlessness as imminent and says it has its upsides, but believes councils need to be doing all they can to support the vulnerable. He says that the proposed amendment “misses the point”. 

“The amendment by the Resident Association isn’t itself a bad one, but this is a much bigger issue than just reviewing council services. The Council should be encouraging businesses to accept cash, as well as ensuring access to cash such as through a Post Office or ATM”. 

Councillor Taylor believes cash will become increasingly important during the cost of living crisis. 

“Many of our most vulnerable are left with very little after paying their bills. I’ve met residents who have to feed their family of just £50 a month. With their bills paid by direct debit, the rising energy bills will mean that is snatched from their bank accounts before they can spend it. A cash withdrawal is the only thing that will ensure they can continue to put food on the table”

In the Government’s 2019 Access to Cash Review, the government highlighted that over 1.3m Brits don’t have a bank account. 2% have a mental health issue that makes it hard to use digital services and 9% are at a higher risk of debt when going cashless. 

“This is a social justice issue”, Mr Taylor said. “That’s the point of the motion”. 

“I’m worried that our local politicians are getting caught up in political speak and not looking at the real problem. Many across Havering need cash to operate. An impact assessment won’t help. It can’t encourage shops to take cash, it doesn’t mean supporting money-management charities and it won’t be able to see those who are at risk of debt”.