MAYOR of Ellesmere is concerned about the elderly in light of Shropshire Council's decision to go cashless from April next year.

More than three million people aged over 65 in the country are not familiar with digital technology and would struggle to make certain payments such as Council Tax, licence fees and even car parking tickets.

Anne Wignall, Mayor of Ellesmere and President of Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, is extremely worried that the decision to go cashless will have a negative impact on many people, especially the elderly.

She said: "Digital exclusion issues, cashless payment systems - I worry what will be next. What support is available?"

The Council has suggested that people who want to pay their bills using cash will still be able to via third party payments systems such as their local Post Office or Paypoint.

Mrs Wignall is worried about mobility difficulties and transport issues in our rural county, when post offices are closing all the time, posing as a huge problem for many.

She added: "It is suggested that friends and family may be able to help in such situations, but that is assuming that they actually have people they can rely upon.

"It seems wrong that older people who want to manage their own finances should have their independence taken away from them in this way - and they may not wish to share their information with others."

Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin recently raised the issue of digital exclusion with Shropshire Council over Blue Badge applications - they became online only until a face-to-face option was made available in Shrewsbury, but still difficult for many to reach.

Mayor Wignall said: "Age UK has responded by recruiting volunteers to visit people in their homes to help them make their applications."

Although the switch will be an added benefit of increased efficiencies across the council’s service areas, it will be very difficult for the elderly to get accustomed to the new system.