Cheques Bill clears its first hurdle
David Ward Presenting Cheques Bill to Parliament
David Ward MP's Cheques Bill has cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons, receiving enthusiastic support from MPs of all Parties.
The Bill, presented to Parliament today, would place a duty on the City Regulator, the Financial Services Authority, to ensure that cheques stay in use until suitable alternatives are found.
The Payments Council - a group representing the major high street banks and other payment providers - had announced that they aimed to phase out all cheques by 2018.
The Bill will now proceed to its next stage and is due to be debated in June next year.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"I am delighted to have this opportunity to bring the issue to people's attention.
"This is a stitch-up by the banking industry, who have shirked every opportunity to modernise the system, and will now be the main winners from its abolition.
"It is disgusting that a group with such vested interests in getting rid of cheques should be entrusted with this decision.
"I hope this bill will force the banks to listen to the very serious concerns that many people have about this decision."
You can join the campaign to 'Save Our Cheque' by signing the petition on this website and 'like' the facebook 'Save Our Cheque' page