BT AND FINANCIAL EXCLUSION

Early day motion 1008, tabled 28 February 2007 by David Hamilton (Labour). Signed by 124 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Labour 85, Liberal Democrat 24, Conservative 6, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.