Lucy Acheson and Thomas Copeland
BBC News
Ann-Marie Kinsman
Reece Kinsman says he is based on physical money to stay independent and buy things for himself
The main disabled charitable organizations have called on the government to ensure that people will continue to be able to use physical money in stores.
This occurs after a Minister of the Government said that stores will not have to accept money, despite fears that millions of vulnerable people count.
Disability Rights UK (Druk) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) warn that making card payments, the defect creates “more obstacles” for disabled people.
The BBC heard disabled people and their families who fear losing access to Cash would limit their independence.
Reece Kinsman, 31, of Manchester, has Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which is characterized by a neurodevelopmental handicap.
He relies on money to manage his money, when he has trouble following his expenses when using a card.
During a recent trip to New Brighton, Merseyside, Reece was panicked and upset when a fast food restaurant told him that they had not accepted money.
“I was really disappointed, I didn’t know what to do with it. It was just a card, and it’s not easy because I only have money,” he said.
Fortunately, his support worker was with him and covered the cost of his card.
Ann-Marie Kinsman
Reece and his support worker Penny have known each other all his life and have been working together for four years
Reece’s mother, Ann -Marie, says that the management of physical money has given Reece a feeling of tangible control over her finances – which could be threatened if money is deleted.
“Reece’s level of understanding is around a six -year -old child. We give him money because it is better to go out in the community and be able to learn how much money is necessary to pay things.”
‘Provide clear advice’
Last month, Emma Reynolds, the new economic secretary of the Treasury, told deputies that stores and service providers would not be required to accept money. However, she assured the Treasury Committee that the United Kingdom would not be completely without species as soon as possible.
But with more than 16 million people with disabilities in the United Kingdom, many rely on cash, well-in-law organizations Druk and RNIB urge the government to ensure continuous access to cash and banks.
Fazilet Hadi, Druk head of policy, says that the government must “intervene and provide clear advice”.
“The last government proposed legislation forcing companies to accept species as an alternative, but that has not progressed. In the absence of this, new legislation is necessary.”
Meanwhile, the RNIB highlights the importance of offering “a choice of payment options”, including money, adding “there is no unique solution for blind and partially seen consumers”.
Nicola Hickinbotham
Jack says that the use of physical money is important for his well-being
Jack Hickinbotham, 29, of Hereford, at autism, epilepsy and serious learning disabilities. He likes the feeling of confidence that comes with the direct management of money.
“I feel independent and I like to talk to people.”
Hi Mum and Caregiver, Nicola, says that without species, Jack cannot know how much money he had available.
“We were in the flower store on Saturday and Jack wanted to buy a pack of mini eggs. They were £ 4.95, so I gave Jack a £ 5 ticket and he was able to pay with that.
“It’s a great thing for Jack and for his learning skills too.”
‘People are counting on money’
Samantha Smith, 53, from Rotherham, is recorded blind and says that the use of cash is a necessity, because it has only 2 to 3% of its vision and cannot see the figures on the card machines to check the transactions.
“The blind relies on money, so that will have an impact on the whole blind community.”
Samantha also fears that a society without species can leave it more vulnerable to scams and theft – something that she has already experienced.
“At Christmas two years ago, I went out to take some last gifts. I had my handbag and my handbag removed me. I lost only £ 10 in cash which was in the bag. I fear that if they had taken a card, they would have had access to all my money.”
A treasury spokesperson said: “Individual companies can decide on the payment methods they accept, but the new rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority aim to guarantee that companies can deposit species, helping those who want to continue to accept it.”
