Cash may be king, but you don’t see it about as often as you used to. You never know, the next time you hold a British banknote, it could look remarkably different to how you remember it. Because the Bank of England (BoE) is about to begin a new series of banknotes—and it’s after your views!
The last time the pound sterling banknotes changed was on June 5, 2024, which saw Charles III replace Elizabeth II in the same design. Before that, the BoE had only recently introduced its Series G set between 2016 and 2021—with British icons Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), William Turner (£20) and Alan Turing (£50) all incorporated into the designs.
Why is the Bank of England designing new banknotes?
While cash use is slowing down, it’s still the payment method for one in five people. The BoE is looking to upgrade our current cash so that it incorporates the latest anti-counterfeiting technologyas well as large font and tactile features (such as Braille) to help blind and partially sighted people identify the value of the note.
But, as Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England’s Chief Cashier, said: “Banknotes are more than just an important means of payment – they serve as a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK. I am really keen to hear what themes the public would like to see represented on the next series of notes.”
When will we see the new notes circulated?
This is going to be a long, multi-year process that involves consultations, designs, testing and so forth. This public consultation is only the beginning of that process, so don’t expect anything too soon. To give some frame of reference, research for the Series G set, which saw the first polymer banknote series created, began in 2011. It was then five years until the £5 entered circulationand ten years until all new banknotes were available.
How can I help?
You have until 11.59pm on July 31, 2025to share your views on potential themes for the new Series H of banknotes. The BoE has identified six potential themes to feature across all denominations (£5, £10, £20, £50):
- Notable historical figures
- Nature
- Architecture and landmarks
- Arts, culture and sport
- Noteworthy milestones
- Innovation
Your views on any of these themes (or any other ideas that come to mind) will help inform the new banknotes—whether it’s iconic British people, landscapes, technologies, or whatever. You should, however, take into consideration the following criteria:
It should symbolise the UKbe meaningful to the UK public, not be divisive or offensive, and be enduring for many decades. It must also support the BoE’s objective to create banknotes that are accessible, safe and secure, as well as be consistent with current laws, including the Equality Act 2010.
To offer your views for a new series of British banknotes, head here.
