How to avoid being 'financially excluded'

The use of money transfers, such as standing orders, or direct debits, has meant that there are less over-the-counter points where people can pay their bills in cash.

The Treasury estimate that 2.8 million people, or 1.9 million households, do not have any bank accounts - and these people are becoming increasingly inconvenienced by longer journeys to settle their household accounts.

Many of these households are on a tight budget, or contain elderly members.

Post Office marketing director, Gary Hockey-Morley, said: "Businesses need to ensure their services are accessible to as many people as possible.

"This includes not only the financially excluded who operate solely on a cash budget, but those who actually prefer to pay in cash over direct debit for greater budgeting control. With 99 per cent of people living within three miles of a branch, the Post Office offers an easy route to bill payment services for people who choose to pay their bills in cash."

February 19^th 2008

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