People give feedback on cash payment survey

The survey received about 100 submissions

Individuals, businesses and organisations have shared their views on making cash payments in Jersey.

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel said it was investigating the acceptance of cash by businesses and whether there was a need for government intervention.

The survey, which closes today, received about 100 submissions from individuals and organisations including Age Concern Jersey, Jersey Bankers Association and Jersey Mencap.

Chair of the panel, Deputy Montfort Tadier, said the objective was "to understand the interests of consumers and businesses" and to "understand how payments methods are changing".

'Self-regulating'

A submission from the Jersey Bankers Association (JBA) found the island's acceptance of cash and digital payments to be "self-regulating".

President Charles Molteno said: "The JBA does not believe that there is a need to bring in legislation or protective measures about accepting cash and/or digital payments at this time."

Age Concern Jersey raised concerns about cash deposit requirements for charity bank accounts.

Chairman, Ben Shenton said: "If there is legislation it should be aimed at the banks, perhaps capping bank handling charges and making it illegal for them to dictate to an account holder how much cash they can pay in."

'Allow market forces'

Other organisations like Mind Jersey and Jersey Mencap highlighted issues around individuals who could be vulnerable to exploitation in the digital world.

Mind Jersey said people experiencing a mental health problems preferred to use cash "because it is easier to manage finances on a tight budget".

It said the potential impact of the non-acceptance of cash could "increase isolation" and "further disenfranchise an already stigmatised section of the population".

It added measures to protect the ability to pay in cash on the island would be "helpful".

Jersey Mencap submitted feedback from members, carers, staff and stakeholders.

One support worker said: "We have residents who don’t recognise numbers so they would struggle to use a debit card with a pin number, so taking away cash would massively reduce their independence."

While a parent-carer said their child "struggles with cash and avoids as much as possible using it".

Carl Walker, chairman of Jersey Consumer Council said the majority view of the council was that the government should "allow market forces and unrestricted consumer habits to dictate how future transactions are undertaken".