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12-Jul-2011 17:33

Phew - Cheque Payments are Safe...

The fairly recently announced plans in 2009 to scrap cheques for bill payments from 2018 have been dropped after the ‘UK Payments Council’ admitted there was no alternative or preferred paper-payment method..

The UK Payments Council, a joint council representing all the major banks, said cheques will continue for as long as people require them.

Work was begun on an alternative paper-based system but the council said it has now decided that this is no longer the best option and "retaining the cheque is a far better approach".

The (ridiculous!) decision to scrap cheques was met with waves of criticism from, amongst others, small businesses, charities and pensioner lobby groups, who accused the banks of ignoring the needs of many millions of vulnerable people.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said: "We are delighted that the Payments Council has listened to the many people who said how difficult the loss of cheques would be for them. This is a vital first step that will help many older people."

Another success for common sense, but the original decision somewhat symptomatic of meddling and unreasonable committees…

Have these people no real jobs to do?

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Comments
Contributed by R i c h a r d P e r r y on 12-Jul-2011 21:41
"Work was begun on an alternative paper-based system but the council said it has now decided that this is no longer the best option and "retaining the cheque is a far better approach". "

They actually looked at a paper alternate to cheques?

Like what? Paper money?
Contributed by Anna Figiel on 12-Jul-2011 19:20
Personally I much prefer electronic banking - much simpler, quicker and more secure - and I understand why the banking industry wishes to move away from cheques.

Although I appreciate there is still a genuine need for cheques, the sooner a viable and more immediate alternative can be found for the gap which cheques fill, the better. Perhaps it will take 100% Internet usage and the current generation(s) of pensioners to die off before that can happen?

Anna Figiel
Contributed by Demos Flouri on 12-Jul-2011 19:19
Is that cheque for me?
Contributed by Carolyn Williams on 12-Jul-2011 19:19
"@Have these people no real jobs to do? Obviously not!"

Great blog highlighting 'realism' for so many of us 'living longer' peeps.
Besides which, when else would you practice your best handwriting on a regular basis?.

Long Live great handwriting on cheques!

Go Sparkle On Tuesday Norman!. C :-) X
Contributed by Steven Healey on 12-Jul-2011 18:11
Common sense prevails , could the bank afford an instant payment system ? Cheques take longer and longer to clear.
Contributed by Angelika on 12-Jul-2011 17:59
That's the best bit of news I've heard today, as I still have loads of clients who pay by cheque.
Contributed by SimplyFone Blogger on 12-Jul-2011 17:53
Good point Dan.

Almost certainly yes...

Otherwise, fraud would become rampant.

N

Contributed by Dan on 12-Jul-2011 17:51
Will this mean they bring back the cheque guarantee that ended recently?
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