Austin calls for rethink on plans to phase out cheques  

Dudley North MP Ian Austin is warning that Government plans to abolish cheques could harm churches and charity groups. The UK Payments Council has set a target date of 2018 to close the UK’s central cheque processing system, having described the payment method as being in “terminal decline” but many small charitable and community organisations still rely on cheque payments when fundraising or organising small events. Austin wants ministers to reconsider the plans and investigate alternative means for small charitable and community organisations to make and receive payments. Ian Austin MP said:......