Scrutiny Panel launches Review into Acceptance of Cash Payments

6th June 2024

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) has launched a review into the Acceptance of Cash Payments.

The Panel has identified acceptance (and non-acceptance) of cash by some businesses in Jersey as an area of review following public interest in the topic and the recent States Assembly debate on the provision of cash acceptance at Government of Jersey sports facilities, which was adopted.

The main objectives of this review are to:

Explore acceptance of cash payments by businesses in Jersey;
Investigate the views of consumers and businesses on the use and acceptance of cash in Jersey;
Ascertain the availability of cash in Jersey; and
Identify if there is a need for Government to intervene in any way, including to oblige all businesses to accept of cash or to consider phasing out cash completely.

The Panel will hold Public Hearings with relevant Ministers and key stakeholders to gather information on the acceptance of cash payments. Additionally, it will issue both broad and targeted calls for evidence to gather perspectives of stakeholders on this matter.

Chair of the Panel, Deputy Montfort Tadier, said "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. Our objective is to understand the interests of consumers and businesses, listening to people's concerns and experiences, and to understand how payments methods are changing in an increasingly digital and contactless world. 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."

Any submissions to the review can be made via email (scrutiny@gov.je) or by writing to the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel at Morier House, Halkett Place St Helier Jersey JE1 1DD by Monday 8 July.

A link to the watch the Public Hearings live will be shared on the States Assembly website and social media closer to the time.

Find out more about the review here.

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