PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
BT AND FINANCIAL EXCLUSION (28 February 2007)

That this House notes with concern the decision by British Telecom to introduce a charge on customers who decide not to pay their bill by direct debit or monthly payment plan; acknowledges that these forms of payment may save BT some administrative costs but that consumers deserve to be able to make a free choice about the method they use without financial blackmail; further notes that only 92 per cent. of households have bank accounts and that these charges would penalise the poorest more than other groups; further notes that BT made profits of £1.4 billion in the final quarter of last year alone; and calls upon BT to review the introduction of this charge immediately and on other utility companies not to introduce similar charges.

Sponsored by:
Mr David Hamilton (Labour)