|
Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
 |
David Ward MP <>
David's bid to save the cheque
October 27, 2010 12:00 AM
David Ward MP has introduced a bill in Parliament to stop the banks from abolishing the cheque.
Last November the Payments Council - representing all major high street banks - announced its decision to phase out all cheques over the next eight years.
The bill, which will be presented to Parliament next Tuesday, will create a requirement on banks to continue to offer cheque services as long as consumers want to use them.
The campaign has the backing of the consumer group Which? as well as the Federation of Small Businesses.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"Cheques are the most convenient way to pay for many services which is why over four million of them are issued every day. Axing such a popular means of payment is absolutely nonsensical.
"This decision will create major problems for elderly, disabled and housebound people who rely on cheques in their everyday lives. It also poses a threat to charities who receive a large proportion of their donations through cheques.
"The withdrawal of cheques is simply a cost saving exercise for the banks, who are prepared to ride roughshod over the needs of vulnerable consumers and charities.
"My bill will ensure that cheques continue to be available for as long as people want to use them."