Allister calls for Fair Deal for Pensioners
08 May 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has responded to Ofcom’s Additional Charges consultation, voicing opposition to the recent introduction of non-direct debit charges. The independent communications watchdog launched a UK wide public consultation on additional charges, on the back of a high volume of complaints from customers having to pay up to £5 extra per quarter for not paying by direct debit.
The MEP said
“The recent introduction by telecommunications companies of additional charges for customers who do not pay by direct debit was brought to my attention some time ago. While some companies such as BT have decided to waive these charges for customers who are in receipt of certain State benefits, I am concerned that little consideration has been shown for the disproportionate impact such charges is having on pensioners.”
“While many pensioners across the UK do have Post Office accounts, my understanding is that these accounts do not offer the capacity to set up direct debits. Furthermore, older people who do have alternative bank accounts are less likely to feel comfortable at money being automatically deducted from their account.”
“In my submission to Ofcom, I highlighted the imminent introduction of the Payment Services Directive into UK law, which will give Member States the powers to limit or forbid the right to impose charges on payers where a specified payment method is proscribed. I have asked Ofcom to ensure pensioners are exempted from the additional charges being imposed on non-direct debit paying customers, which have been introduced recently by many of the large telephony service providers.”
ENDS
