Save the Cheque

The UK Payments Council announced yesterday that they are to reverse their decision to scrap cheques by 2018 and continue their use for as long as customers need them.   For small businesses and sole traders cheques are a crucial form of payment and many were concerned that their removal would drive up their costs. For customers, especially the elderly, cheques are reliable, safe and not too technological.

Last year alone, there were over one billion cheque transactions which shows just how widely used this form of payment still is.  Today’s announcement means that those who rely on cheque payments can now be sure of their future.

Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, Mark Hunter, who originally launched the ‘Save the Cheque’ campaign through an Early Day Motion in Parliament in November 2009 said: "This is a great victory for people power and common sense, and proves that the banks cannot afford to ignore the views of their customers. After years campaigning along side small businesses, charities and voluntary groups, who will welcome this with open arms, I am absolutely delighted by this news.”