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How to: Digital ID Consultation Guide

Thank you so much for your interest in taking part in the Digital ID Consultation. It is sadly now closed and the Government is due to release the results of it by May 24th. 

Thanks to thousands and thousands of you we can be sure they received many objections. 

Please sign up to the mailing list below if you haven’t alreay to ensure you are kept up to date with all future developments in regards to Digital ID. 

In the meantime there is another consultation which is related to the issue of Keeping Cash. Please do consider completing that with our guide which you can find here.

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A grassroots human rights organisation with a big vision.

While keeping the pressure on and tackling the current issues we are also uniting with many to forge the way to a bright future; of liberty and a real democracy.

CONTACT

International House,

Constance Street,

London, E16 2DQ

United Kingdom

[email protected]

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Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

A grassroots human rights organisation with a big vision.

While keeping the pressure on and tackling the current issues we are also uniting with many to forge the way to a bright future; of liberty and a real democracy.

CONTACT

International House,

Constance Street,

London, E16 2DQ

United Kingdom

[email protected]

©2022 Save Our Rights UK Ltd. is a Social Enterprise, Limited by Guarantee and Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 12993817 • All Rights Reserved • Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Returns Policy

Open the consultation in a separate window by clicking here.

Follow along using the prompts below. Please use the bullet points as inspiration and starting points to then expand on. The survey is designed to obtain personal stories so please do personalise it as much as possible. 

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Do you prefer to use cash to pay for things instead of other means of payment?  

Answer: yes.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Why do you prefer to use cash?

Answer: select as many as apply.

Examples of extra reasons under “other”:

  • I want to make a small payment without incurring transaction fees
  • I want to be able to donate to a charity or tip a service worker in cash
  • I prefer the physicality and tangibility of cash
  • I want to avoid leaving a paper trail of my transactions
  • I want to have a backup form of payment in case their electronic payment method fails or is lost/stolen.
  • In some cases, cash transactions can result in lower fees or discounts compared to using other forms of payment

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Do you have any physical or mental health issues that make it difficult to use alternative forms of payment?

Answer: as is applicable to you. 

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Question: Can you tell us a bit about your physical or mental health issues and why they make it difficult for you to use alternative forms of payment? (Only visible if you answered ‘yes’ to the previous question)

Answer: as is applicable to you.

Examples of how different disabilities can necessitate use of cash:

  • Visual impairments that make it difficult to read or use digital screens: Cash is a tangible form of payment that can be easily recognized by touch, making it a better option for individuals with visual impairments who may struggle to use digital screens or read small print on cards.
  • Hearing impairments that make it difficult to hear audio instructions or confirmations: Cash does not rely on audio instructions or confirmations, making it a more accessible option for individuals with hearing impairments who may struggle to hear instructions or prompts from electronic payment devices.
  • Motor impairments that make it difficult to use a keypad or touch screen: Cash does not require the use of a keypad or touch screen, making it a more practical option for individuals with motor impairments who may find it difficult to accurately use these types of interfaces.
  • Cognitive impairments that make it difficult to understand or remember complex payment processes: Cash is a simple and straightforward form of payment that does not require complex processes or instructions, making it a more accessible option for individuals with cognitive impairments who may struggle with complex tasks.
  • Dementia or memory loss that makes it difficult to remember passwords or PINs: Cash does not require the use of passwords or PINs, making it a more practical option for individuals with dementia or memory loss who may struggle to remember these types of codes.
  • Anxiety or panic disorders that make it difficult to use unfamiliar payment methods in public: Cash is a familiar form of payment that can be used in a discreet manner, making it a more comfortable option for individuals with anxiety or panic disorders who may feel uncomfortable using unfamiliar payment methods in public.
  • Arthritis or joint pain that makes it difficult to hold or manipulate cards or devices: Cash can be easily held and manipulated without requiring fine motor skills, making it a more practical option for individuals with arthritis or joint pain who may struggle to use cards or devices.
  • Parkinson’s disease or tremors that make it difficult to accurately use touch screens or buttons: Cash does not require the use of touch screens or buttons, making it a more accessible option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease or tremors who may struggle to use these types of interfaces accurately.
  • Autism or sensory processing disorders that make it difficult to tolerate new or unexpected sensory stimuli: Cash is a familiar form of payment that does not rely on new or unexpected sensory stimuli, making it a more comfortable option for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders who may struggle with new or unexpected experiences.
  • ADHD can make it challenging for individuals to use alternative payment methods since they may have difficulty comprehending intangible forms of currency. This difficulty can lead to impulsive purchases and issues with budgeting when using digital or card-based payments, as individuals with ADHD cannot physically see the money leaving their account. Cash, as a tangible form of payment, provides a visual representation of the transaction, making it a better option for individuals with ADHD.
  • Type 1 diabetes: increased risk of hypoglycemia from delays or difficulties in accessing food or drinks due to payment method limitations, leading to potential physical and emotional distress and ultimately putting their lives at risk.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: How frequently, if ever, do you make payments in cash? 

Answer: as is applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Has a business ever refused to let you purchase something with cash? 

  Answer: as is applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: How often do you find that cash payments are refused when you try to purchase something with cash?

Answer: as is applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: What have you been unable to pay in cash for?

Answer: select as many as are applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: What impact does it have on you when cash is refused when you are trying to pay for something?

Answer: as is applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Can you tell us a bit more about the impact it has on you when cash is refused as payment?

Answer: as is applicable to you.

Example bullet points you can use to expand on:

  • Emotional impacts:
    • Frustration and anger
    • Anxiety and stress
    • Feeling discriminated against or marginalised
    • Disappointment or sadness
  • Mental impacts:
    • Difficulty concentrating on other tasks
    • Cognitive overload
    • Fear of not being able to make necessary purchases in the future
    • Decreased sense of autonomy and control
  • Physical impacts:
    • Increased heart rate or blood pressure
    • Tension headaches or migraines
    • Digestive problems such as nausea or stomach pain
    • Fatigue or pain from standing longer when refused
  • Social impacts:
    • Difficulty participating in group activities or events
    • Feeling excluded or isolated from social opportunities
    • Embarrassment or shame when unable to pay
    • Strained relationships with friends or family members who may not understand the situation
  • Other impacts:
    • Inability to meet basic needs such as food or shelter
    • Increased financial strain or debt
    • Legal consequences if unable to pay fines or fees
    • Reduced opportunities for people who do not have access to digital payment methods

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Do you agree that all shops and services should be required to accept cash?

Answer: yes.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Tell us why you think this:

Answer: as applicable to you. 

Example bullet points you can use to expand on:

  • Cash is a legal tender and should be accepted as a form of payment.
  • Not everyone has access to digital payment methods or bank accounts, especially vulnerable or elderly individuals.
  • Refusing to accept cash can be discriminatory against people who cannot access digital payment methods or who have concerns about privacy and security.
  • Accepting cash can be helpful for budgeting and avoiding overspending for those who struggle with digital payment methods.
  • Cash transactions can be faster and more efficient than card transactions, especially for small purchases.
  • It is important to have a diverse range of payment options to cater to different preferences and needs.
  • Some businesses may benefit from accepting only cash to avoid transaction fees or taxes, but this could be seen as unfair and unethical.
  • Cashless transactions can contribute to a lack of transparency and accountability, especially for small businesses or street vendors.
  • Allowing only digital payment methods can contribute to a monopoly by big tech companies, which could be harmful for competition and innovation in the payment industry.
  • Refusing to accept cash could be discriminatory against certain groups of people who may not have access to digital payment methods, including those who are elderly, have disabilities, or are low-income.
  • Such discriminatory practices could be in violation of the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, which protects individuals from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, and socio-economic status.
  • Not accepting cash could disproportionately affect certain groups who are already marginalised in society, creating further barriers and exclusion.
  • It is important for businesses and service providers to consider the needs of all customers and ensure that they have equal access to their products and services.
  • Mandating the acceptance of cash can promote financial inclusion and ensure that people who are unable to access or use digital payment methods are not left behind.
  • Where cash isn’t mandated we are seeing more and more businesses going cashless.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Do you know anyone who prefers to pay for things using cash? 

Answer: as applicable to you.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Can you tell us about their reasons for preferring to use cash?

Answer: as applicable to you. 

Example bullet points you can use to expand on:

  • They prefer to use cash because they find it easier to budget and keep track of their spending
  • They don’t trust digital payments and are concerned about the risk of fraud or data breaches
  • They don’t have access to digital payment methods or are uncomfortable using technology
  • They prefer the anonymity and privacy that cash transactions provide
  • They believe that cash is a more secure and reliable form of payment, as it cannot be affected by power outages or technical failures
  • They prefer to use cash because it helps them stick to a budget and avoid overspending with credit or digital payments.
  • They find it more secure to carry cash, as they are less likely to fall victim to fraud or identity theft.
  • They feel more in control of their money when they can physically see and handle it, rather than relying on digital records.
  • They may not have access to digital payment methods due to issues such as lack of bank account, internet access, or computer literacy.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience of using, or trying to use, cash?

Example bullet points you can use to expand on:

  • Refusing to accept cash can be seen as a violation of human rights, particularly the right to use legal tender as a form of payment.
  • The ability to use cash is a fundamental human right that should not be taken away, as it provides people with autonomy and control over their finances.
  • Digital payment methods can discriminate against certain groups of people who may not have access to the technology or the ability to use it, thus violating their right to equal access to goods and services.
  • Cashless transactions can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, which can negatively impact people’s rights to fair and honest business practices.
  • Refusing to accept cash can contribute to financial exclusion and further marginalise people who are already vulnerable, which violates their right to participate fully in society.
  • Allowing businesses to refuse cash can perpetuate systems of oppression that disproportionately affect certain groups of people, thus violating their right to equality and non-discrimination.
  • Mandating the acceptance of cash can promote financial inclusion and ensure that everyone has equal access to goods and services, which is in line with the principles of human rights.
  • People have the right to privacy and anonymity, which cash transactions can provide. Refusing to accept cash can violate people’s right to privacy and potentially put their personal and financial information at risk.
  • Cash transactions can be a way to protect people’s rights to freedom of expression and association, particularly in situations where digital payments can be tracked and potentially used against them.
  • Banning or phasing out cash can be a violation of people’s right to cultural expression, particularly in communities or regions where cash is deeply ingrained in cultural practices and traditions.

___________________________________________________________________

Question: Demographics

Answer: all are optional so only answer if you wish or leave blank.

___________________________________________________________________

Submit

Scroll to the bottom to click submit and finish the consultation.

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