CHEQUE PAYMENTS AND CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS

That this House notes with concern that the UK Payments Council plans to phase out cheques by 2018 despite protest from consumer groups; further notes that more than 620 million payments were made by cheque last year; believes many small charitable and community organisations rely on cheque payments for the payment of membership fees and when organising small events; is concerned that the phasing out of cheques may affect such organisations disproportionately; calls on the Government to investigate alternative payment schemes for small charitable and community organisations; and urges the UK Payments Council to reconsiderits proposal to abolish the cheque.