News

This week, as part of the Government’s ‘Be Ready’ checklist, alongside food, water and other important items to have at home, people are being encouraged to keep notes and coins.

LINK’s own research shows that 68% of people said they already keep some supplies at home, compared to 23% who don’t and 9% who don’t know.  

This research, part of LINK’s September’s Cash Index, posed the hypothetical situation that if there was a situation such as extreme weather, a cyber-attack, or a major power outage, whether people think they would have enough supplies at home to support their household's basic needs for 72 hours.

LINK also asked people in March 2026, which items they currently have in preparation to a similar event. It showed:

• 49% say they have battery-powered items e.g. a torch
• 47% have a supply of tinned goods (e.g. baked beans, tinned fruit)
• 37% keep a power bank in the house to keep phones charged
• 20% have a portable gas hob (e.g. a camping hob)
• 17% have a stash of cash at home
• 15% have an analogue radio.

John Howells, CEO, LINK: “The good news is that our research shows that many people say they are already prepared in the event of major disruption. Based on similar checklists from other European countries, we’d encourage households to keep around £50 per adult and £25 per child.”

Alongside bank branches, banking hubs and the Post Office network, there are over 33,000 free-to-use cash machines across the country. Every week around £1.5bn is withdrawn from the LINK network and they are well stocked to ensure demand can be met from consumers looking to withdraw money. LINK’s Cash Locator app and website allows you to find the nearest free-to-use cash access point.