The Norfolk County Council study reveals how older and disabled people, businesses and charities are suffering because it is getting harder for them to get hold of notes and coins.

Analysis by County Hall officers found the number of cash transactions in Norfolk fell from almost than 19.1m in 2019 to 10.3m in 2024, with the value plummeting from £1.3m to £880,000 over that period.

It also found, over the same period, the number of automated cash machines in Norfolk dropped from 784 to 536 in 2025, as many banks closed their doors.

Scores of banks in Norfolk have closed their doors (Image: PA)

But surveys also found that, despite an era when many use digital banking and make payments using cards, there is a significant number of people in Norfolk who are still reliant on cash.

A survey of residents, which garnered 663 responses, found 37pc used cash often and 37pc very often.

Why are people still keen on cash?

There were a string of reasons given as to why people still depend on cash.

Some older people were not comfortable - or able - to use online banking, while for people on low incomes they said being able to use real money helped them to budget better.

Some people with disabilities also preferred cash, with those with impaired vision concerned about "intentional and........

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