Worried Britons ‘prepping’ for major disruption with stash of tins and cash, survey shows

Millions of Britons are stockpiling cash and essential goods to prepare for potential major disruptions, new survey data shows [1]. Over half would withdraw cash if digital payments failed, while many are keeping tinned food and power banks at home [1]. The research from Link, the UK's ATM network, indicates growing public concern over threats like power outages, cyber-attacks, and payment system failures [1]. If card and mobile payments were not accepted, 54% of respondents said they would withdraw cash from an ATM, and 15% said they would use a specific stash of cash kept at home for such a scenario [1]. In terms of existing preparations, 47% have a supply of tinned goods, 49% have battery-powered items like torches, and 37% keep a power bank to charge mobile phones [1]. Graham Mott, Link’s director of strategy, said the data shows cash is playing a growing role in resilience planning amid these concerns [1]. The UK government's Prepare website advises citizens to consider assembling emergency supplies, including tinned food, water, and a battery-powered torch [1]. Specialist 'prepper' shops have reported increased popularity in the UK following the Covid lockdowns [1]. Just over a quarter of survey respondents, 27%, had taken no preparatory actions [1].