Plastic pounds: Bank of England ponders new notes
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The Bank of England is considering replacing paper money with polymer bank notes which are billed as cleaner, stronger and more secure.
The bank said Tuesday it will hold a public consultation, bringing samples of plastic money to shopping centers so that members of the public can feel the difference.
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Hide AdPolymer bank notes - made from transparent plastic film coated with layers of ink - are used by countries such as Australia, Mexico and Canada.
Proponents say they are longer-lasting and harder to forge than paper notes. But critics say the bills are slippery, stick together and do not fold as easily as paper.
A British decision is due by December. If the plan is approved, plastic 5-pound notes could be in circulation by 2016.