Thread by @WhichUK

Today, we are hosting our cash summit: 'Securing our Freedom to Pay' at Which? HQ — bringing together key stakeholders from Government, regulators, and industry to help build a consensus on how best to protect access to cash across the UK for as long as it is needed.

"We strongly believe that payment choice should be driven by consumer need and not just by industry interests."
Opening remarks from Anabel Hoult, Which? Chief Executive #Freedom2Pay

Anabel Hoult: "I want to be clear about Which?’s position. We want to see consumers protected through this time of rapid transition. And our hope today is that we can work together to identify the right solutions for consumers."
#Freedom2Pay

Anabel Hoult on Which?'s #Freedom2Pay campaign: "@ThePSR needs to review LINK’s Financial Inclusion Programme to make sure it’s fit-for-purpose and protects access in the areas where people need it most."

AH "Which? is concerned that an over-reliance on card-based and digital payments, without cash as an back-up, could represent a systemic risk to the economy as a whole." #Freedom2Pay"

@natceeney CBE, Chair of the Access to Cash Review, "This isn't a question of choice but of necessity.... for the foreseeable future we need to keep cash alive and accessible." #Freedom2Pay

"There are many people in Britain who cannot afford to use digital payments... If you've only 50 pounds to spend a week there's no safer way to spend it" @natceeney #Freedom2pay

@Natceeney on the lessons the Access to Cash review learnt from Sweden moving to a cashless society: "We should plan now because if we don't, people will be left behind. Once it's gone there's no going back." #Freedom2Pay

"While the growth of innovation brings benefits to many of us, we must be mindful that it will leave others behind" Chris Hemsley, Managing Director @thePSR #Freedom2Pay

Is cashback the answer? Chris Hemsley @thePSR thinks it could play an important part of the solution, lowering costs and encouraging more retailers to maintain cash. #Freedom2Pay

.@ThePSR says it needs to:
-Protect the geographic spread of ATMs across the UK
-See if further action is needed to review how the Link interchange fee works
-Review the role competition and innovation plays in the provision of access to cash for those who need it #Freedom2Pay

"We continue to stand behind free to use ATMs, and are committed to providing them for our members" - John Hutton Director of Payments @NationwidePress #Freedom2Pay

Mark Barnett UK President @MastercardUK discussing when the UK will become a cashless society. "There is real urgency. I think it will be more like two years." #Freedom2pay

"In rural areas, a lot of our members are entirely reliant on cash. A cashless society would mean many small businesses may have to close down, this would have a massive impact on our local communities" - @MMcTagueFSB #Freedom2Pay

@natceeney says there should be a universal service obligation for accessing for cash, and that banks should pay for it. #Freedom2pay

Jenni Allen, Which? Content Director: "There is a lack of a joined-up oversight asking 'what do consumers need?' - as we go forward, any transition to a society that focuses increasingly on digital payments needs to be managed and not driven by commercial interests." #Freedom2pay

"The government position is clear. We must ensure cash for those who need it when they need it... but the Government can't do it alone, nor should it. Industry needs to play its part as well" Gwyneth Nurse, Director Financial Services at @hmtreasury