EFFECT OF BT BILL CHARGES ON VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS

That this House notes BT's current policy of charging customers who choose not to pay their bills by direct debit an extra £18 per year; further notes that such charges often affect those on low incomes, the disabled, single parents and the elderly; suggests that collection costs should be evened out amongst all customers; and calls upon companies such as BT to practise social responsibility and to refrain from unfairly penalising vulnerable customers in this way.