Companies causing distress by removing traditional payment means

MattMattMattUK

dw89 said:

Very interesting to hear all of that I take it all on board and don’t have an issue myself, I use apps like most, but although I hear your points clearly, don’t disagree with them, it’s just not applicable to all…choice or not. If it’s consumer led then fair game but in my experience it often isn’t even if it’s presented as such.

Just a qu but is not a bill, paid in arrears, a debt? Therefore shouldn’t any legal tender be applicable?

Anyway, just thought I’d ask as I didn’t know and I can relate whatever back. 

Thanks all for replying

No, because it has a very specific application.

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/explainers/what-is-legal-tender

dw89

eskbanker said:

dw89 said:

It’s a large Utility provider that is the only supplier, they removed all options that she uses, namely Cash, Transfer and Cheque. The only things that remain are storing cards (credit/debit), DD, or Apps. There’s also some pay thing (don’t know what it is myself but something to do with yet another card which can’t apply to her). If this is objectively against some regulation or law I’d be interested to know and I’ll try doing something about it. 

I don't believe there's any such regulation or law beyond generic equalities stuff, but paying by DD doesn't entail any need to use apps or online in any way, and has a guarantee to prevent (or at least resolve) problems, so what's the objection to that?  No idea why you feel so reluctant to name the company, but there may be some industry-specific rules or regulations?

No, very true, she’s just never used it that’s all. People of a certain age get stuck in their ways, what can I say. It was my suggestion as the easiest solution too

I don’t feel the need to out anyone or company unless they’re actually doing something wrong that’s all. If they’re not, they’re not so, as was said, just have to deal with it and the times. Even if they’re a pioneer, if what’s been said is true, it’ll be widespread soon enough. 

dw89

MattMattMattUK said:

dw89 said:

Very interesting to hear all of that I take it all on board and don’t have an issue myself, I use apps like most, but although I hear your points clearly, don’t disagree with them, it’s just not applicable to all…choice or not. If it’s consumer led then fair game but in my experience it often isn’t even if it’s presented as such.

Just a qu but is not a bill, paid in arrears, a debt? Therefore shouldn’t any legal tender be applicable?

Anyway, just thought I’d ask as I didn’t know and I can relate whatever back. 

Thanks all for replying

No, because it has a very specific application.

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/explainers/what-is-legal-tender

Got it. Thanks all, DD will be my suggestion though. The reticence, as I understand it, is more to do with their control of their finances and paying as and when as opposed to having money automatically taken. Again, a generation thing.

All appreciated. 

eskbanker

dw89 said:

eskbanker said:

dw89 said:

It’s a large Utility provider that is the only supplier, they removed all options that she uses, namely Cash, Transfer and Cheque. The only things that remain are storing cards (credit/debit), DD, or Apps. There’s also some pay thing (don’t know what it is myself but something to do with yet another card which can’t apply to her). If this is objectively against some regulation or law I’d be interested to know and I’ll try doing something about it. 

I don't believe there's any such regulation or law beyond generic equalities stuff, but paying by DD doesn't entail any need to use apps or online in any way, and has a guarantee to prevent (or at least resolve) problems, so what's the objection to that?  No idea why you feel so reluctant to name the company, but there may be some industry-specific rules or regulations?

No, very true, she’s just never used it that’s all. People of a certain age get stuck in their ways, what can I say. It was my suggestion as the easiest solution too

I don’t feel the need to out anyone or company unless they’re actually doing something wrong that’s all. If they’re not, they’re not so, as was said, just have to deal with it and the times. Even if they’re a pioneer, if what’s been said is true, it’ll be widespread soon enough. 

We don't know if the company is doing anything wrong, because we don't know specifically what their business is and who regulates it!  To the best of my knowledge, most utility providers aren't monopolies, but I'm sure there will be exceptions in certain parts of the UK and/or for certain types of company, e.g. TV Licensing perhaps, or the sole telco in Hull (if that's still a monopoly there).

Aylesbury_Duck

Water companies are monopolies.  I can't recall which forms of payment my supplier accepts, but it's one type of service provider I can think of that's a monopoly and is essential to deal with.  I assume that the regulator has ensured that there aren't people unfairly discriminated against for wanting to pay their water bill by offline means?

dw89

Well I take your point but the name’s no relevant ‘if’ they’re not doing anything wrong. You can take my word it’s a water supplier, so no choice, and they’ve removed those options. That’s enough to know it would be, I guess, Ofwat. 

molerat

A couple of the local small shops I use regularly - remember cash is supposed to be king in small business - went card only during the plague and have no intention going back to cash.  The time saving in not having to count and bank it and making sure there is enough change in the till far outweighs the minimal cost increase and loss of custom by those who have not moved in to the 21st century.

Hoenir

dw89 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

dw89 said:

Very interesting to hear all of that I take it all on board and don’t have an issue myself, I use apps like most, but although I hear your points clearly, don’t disagree with them, it’s just not applicable to all…choice or not. If it’s consumer led then fair game but in my experience it often isn’t even if it’s presented as such.

Just a qu but is not a bill, paid in arrears, a debt? Therefore shouldn’t any legal tender be applicable?

Anyway, just thought I’d ask as I didn’t know and I can relate whatever back. 

Thanks all for replying

No, because it has a very specific application.

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/explainers/what-is-legal-tender

Got it. Thanks all, DD will be my suggestion though. The reticence, as I understand it, is more to do with their control of their finances and paying as and when as opposed to having money automatically taken. Again, a generation thing.

All appreciated. 

Direct debits have been around for approaching 5 decades. Hardly a new form of payment. 

dw89

Aylesbury_Duck said:

Water companies are monopolies.  I can't recall which forms of payment my supplier accepts, but it's one type of service provider I can think of that's a monopoly and is essential to deal with.  I assume that the regulator has ensured that there aren't people unfairly discriminated against for wanting to pay their water bill by offline means?

Interesting point. Who knows. I can only relate my relative’s experience and upset. There wasn’t even a notification on the bill, the usual cheque slip on it was just gone.

eskbanker

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-bill/payment-options/ certainly isn't very specific and definitely doesn't mandate that any customers have any right to insist on continuing to pay by preferred methods for reasons of maintaining traditions:

Your company should offer you a variety of payment frequencies so that you can choose the one that suits you best. This will vary between the water companies. Typical examples include paying the bill in weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments or in full at the beginning of the charging year.

Many companies will consider special arrangements at the request of individual customers. Your company will discuss a realistic payment plan with you to make sure that any instalment plan agreed is achievable and can be maintained.

You should also be offered a choice of payment method.

Your water company is also required to offer a range of locations where you can pay your bill.

Visit your water company website for further details on the payment options it can offer you.