In the future, MPs say stores and services may have to be forced to accept cash to help protect vulnerable groups relying on it.

The Finance Committee's report on cash acceptance no longer recommends a legal change, but says the government must improve monitoring of the problem.

"There may be a period of time in the future when appropriate safeguards are not implemented for those who need strength cash, it is necessary for HM Treasury to require cash acceptance."

Some countries, such as Australia or parts of the EU, plan to accept cash requirements for basic services in certain cases.

In the evidence investigated, the government minister said there was no plan to enforce cash recognition.

Stores and services are currently accepting the payment format they want.

The committee said that as the quantity grows, the prices of basic goods and services will rise in the remaining goods that accept cash.

This will create a poverty premium for those who want to use their cash budgets as well as vulnerable groups such as learning difficulties and older people.

“Minority groups depend on the ability to use cash,” said Dame Meg Hillier, chairman of the influential Finance Committee.

The report should be a "wake-up call" that ignores the risk of people who have fallen using banknotes and coins.

The committee calls on the government to "significantly improve" the monitoring and reporting of cash acceptance levels.

Otherwise, it warns it to risk being excluded from leisure centers, theaters or public transportation. It also heard evidence that frustrated motorists were unable to pay cash through the parking lot.

"The government's acceptance of cash is in a state of darkness, which is completely unsustainable," Mrs. Meg said.

Families and victims of financial abuse who need cash are particularly concerned about avoiding tracking through card transactions or gaining financial independence from abuse partners.

Since the cash review published in 2019, the Commission’s report is one of the most important developments in the debate on the future of notes and coins, which calls for urgent action on the feasibility of cash.

In the findings of this latest report, one conclusion is that for some businesses (such as market stall holders), cash remains the basis for preserving their trade.

Epsom in Surrey has had a market for centuries – but until recently, traders have seen most shoppers turn to electronic payments.

Chris Ilsley has been operating its plant stalls in the market-CI Plant for 13 years.

When he started it was 100% cash and now it was 70% to 80% card payment.

He said he was happy to accept payments of any kind, despite the slower processing of the card, despite the slower process.

"We will do anything," the 47-year-old said. "I prefer older generations to use cards and put their wallets down (for safety).

Tom Cresswell also has a lot of customers at the fruit machine green water stall, saying he pays the most with a card.

"Young people never pay in cash; they pay with their cell phones and watches," the 52-year-old said.

"The older gentlemen tend to use cash. It's easier for customers."

The report is when the post office announces a re-agent with the bank to ensure customers can access basic banking services at the post office counter.

The transaction lasts until the end of 2030, allowing customers of 30 banks and construction societies to withdraw and deposit cash using their local post offices, as well as balance enquiry and deposit checks.

Some campaigners have called for immediate implementation of cash recognition.

Ron Delnevo, from the Payment Choice Alliance, said he was disappointed with the committee's "delay method."

The Ministry of Finance said the government is committed to seeing 350 banking hubs.

"We welcome businesses that want to continue to accept cash and new rules introduced by financial conduct authorities to support this by helping them create deposits," a spokesperson said.