Availability of cash in Jersey to be reviewed

A review will look at whether Jersey should consider phasing out cash

The availability of cash in Jersey is being reviewed by a group of politicians.

​The review by the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel aims to investigate the acceptance of cash by businesses and whether there is a need for government intervention.

It will also investigate the views of consumers and businesses on the topic, the panel said.

Public hearings with relevant ministers and other bodies will be held at a later date as part of the review.

The panel said its objective was to understand how payment methods were changing

'Phasing out cash'

The panel said the review would determine whether there was a need for the Government of Jersey to "intervene in any way" on the availability of cash.

It said possible interventions included obliging all businesses to accept cash or to consider phasing out cash completely.

Deputy Montfort Tadier, the panel chairman, said the objective was to understand how payment methods were changing in an increasingly digital world.

"We are pleased to begin this important review to look at what choice customers and citizens in Jersey currently have and should have, when it comes to buying goods and services and paying bills," he said.

"We would welcome any views or experiences on the topic from members of the public and businesses, and look forward to holding evidence gathering sessions shortly, but particularly those who may prefer to use cash and who have been refused, but also from those who might like the island to go completely cash-free."