Commenting on the latest report from the Payment Council‚ The Way We Pay 2010‚ published today‚ Michelle Mitchell‚ Age UK Charity Director‚ said:

“Despite growing evidence that the use of debit and credit cards is replacing more traditional payment methods‚ many older people still rely on cash and cheques to shop and pay their bills.
 
“The withdrawal of cheques would cause serious difficulties to some older people who don’t feel comfortable with the Chip & PIN system and don’t like carrying around big amounts of cash.
 
“We urge the next Government to ensure the use of cheques is guaranteed until alternative payment methods are in place which older people feel comfortable with.”

Source: Age Concern and Help the Aged