Consumers 'to be encouraged to look beyond cheque payments'

UK consumers are going to be encouraged to look at methods of payment other than cheques in the near future, according to the Payments Council.

The organisation, which outlined plans this week to stop the use of cheques by 2018, is to raise awareness of how people can adopt other measures to manage their money.

Paul Smee, the body's chief executive, commented that cheque alternatives could lead to a number of benefits.

He said: "There are many more efficient ways of making payments than by paper in the 21st century, and the time is ripe for the economy as a whole to reap the benefits of its replacement."

However those looking to manage credit card debt by using cheques may be interested to note that Mark Hunter of the Liberal Democrats has spoken out against the council's decision, noting that cheques are still used by a number of people.

Written by Tom Burroughs.