less people using cheques

The Association of Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) said the number of cheques used last year dropped by 9% to 1.6 billion.

Apacs said that was the fastest rate of decline recorded since cheque use started falling in 1991.

In 2007 more retailers stopped accepting them, with Tesco and Marks and Spencer about to phase them out.

The decline of cheque use, and their eclipse by debit cards for many payments and cash withdrawals, is a well established trend.

Also, many utility companies have increasingly been trying to dissuade their customers from paying their bills by cheque.

Gas, electricity and telecom companies give customers a discount for paying by direct debit, a stance criticised as punishing those who still prefer to use cheques.