After a year that saw the planned political agenda completely blown off course, the government has set out its plans. So what’s on the cards for consumers?
How much time have you spent online in the last year? In all likelihood, more time than before. The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the digitalisation of our lives so it’s no surprise digital issues were a focus.
Spotlight on digital
First up was a
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill. For years, our investigations have highlighted insecure connected products currently on the market, such as hackable wireless cameras. This announcement is a welcome – and much needed – step to tackle the flood of poorly-designed and insecure products that leave consumers vulnerable to cyber-criminals.
Post-meeting update
At today’s Cash Summit we were delighted to hear Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen confirm that a consultation on cash legislation will be launched in the Summer. This is an extremely positive development towards getting these critical long term protections introduced.
The government must deliver at pace on it’s promises, or risk leaving the cash system vulnerable to further damage.
We also heard about UK Finance’s commitment to protecting access to cash, and the launch of its new Cash Action Group, which will be led by Access to Cash Review Chair, Natalie Ceeney, in addition to renewed commitments from the Post Office and major banks to supporting the provision of cash access for consumers.
Protecting Access To Cash And Banking Services - Speech By Sheldon Mills, UK Financial Conduct Authority, Executive Director, Consumers And Competition, Delivered At Which? Cash Summit 2.0 â Cash Access And Acceptance Date
Event: Which? Cash Summit 2.0 – Cash access and acceptance
Delivered: 13 May 2021
Highlights
Based on our evidence, we believe that access to cash across the UK is generally good for most people. However, as the future of cash and branch banking evolves, government, regulators and industry need to play their part in maintaining good access.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) are committed to protecting access to cash, particularly for cash reliant vulnerable consumers.
Big and small retailers with stores around the UK including Aldi, John Lewis and Lloyds Pharmacy
have made a public commitment to accept cash as a method of payment by signing up to the Which? Cash Friendly pledge.
The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the Uk’s already fragile cash system. The closures of bank branches and free-to-use ATMs have continued at pace, while worries about the safety of handling notes and coins (since debunked by the Bank of England ) have led some businesses to refuse to take cash.
With life getting back to normal, we want to ensure that shoppers that need to use cash are able to. So we’ve launched the Which? Cash Friendly pledge – a public commitment retailers can take to signal to customers that they welcome cash payments.