Brits could face paying more for everyday essentials on the high street if 1p and 2p coins are no longer produced, a former minister has warned.
Yesterday, it emerged the Treasury had no plans for more copper coins to be minted in the coming years.
And the Royal Mint has not been asked to produce new coins of any kind this year – in a historic first.
The move has sparked criticism, with one former Conservative pensions minister warning the cost of many basic items would be rounded up to the higher full pound amount and hit vulnerable older people hardest.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses, also warned that card providers could charge higher prices if consumers have less choice over how to pay.
Former pensions minister Ros Altmann said: ‘[Removing them from circulation] will just lead to higher prices in the shops. For those on low incomes who use cash, especially the poorest pensioners, every penny counts.
Brits face paying more for everyday essentials on the…