Is this really a surprise? Why is anyone surprised that 'they' want to bring an end to cash transactions? 'They' continue to push 'tap and go' cards (which aren't secure), debit cards, credit cards etc. for a good reason. It's all a bit like selling us the dream of cheap electric cars - when there's no alternative the cost will rise, they'll no longer be cheap and and we'll have no alternative. IMHO this is far more about 'them' controlling us than trying to maximise the tax take.
Oh and before anyone offers me a tin foil hat, just check that you can see beyond the end of your nose....
