Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie wants card readers.
By Democrat reporter
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has today written to the big four British supermarkets asking them to consider supplying coronavirus mutual aid groups with contactless card readers, enabling them to take payments from those who are self-isolating.
His proposal comes after a number of constituents warned that a shortage of online shopping slots and an inability to access cash were proving challenging when ordering shopping.
Mr Rennie said: “People who are self-isolating or shielding others are running out of cash because they can’t get to the bank and some don’t have internet access.
“Across the country people have been getting organised and going out to help their neighbours. Unfortunately, these groups don’t have a large kitty to fund purchases. There needs to be a mechanism to enable them to take payment from the recipient.
“The big supermarkets have been quick to respond to the changing demands of this crisis but we must also remember that they are also reporting substantial profits. Organisations like food services and the Big Issue have already proved that this is an idea that can work. It’s time to take it further.
“Providing these mutual aid groups with contactless card readers so that they can take payment on the doorstep would be a simple way for the supermarkets to support the community groups in their efforts.”