The sector's fears about the impact of the abolition of cheques  has reached parliament, with the government expressing “concern” over the plans.

Charities minister Angela Smith told parliament on Friday that the government is meeting with the Payments Council to discuss the phasing out of cheques by 2018.

“I am very concerned about the withdrawal of cheques, planned for October 2018, and the potential impact on the sector. We are in discussion with the Payments Council, which is planning to meet with charities to consult over their plans,” she said.

The Institute of Fundraising, which has launched its own campaign to get the Payments Council to consider the impact  on charities, welcomed the minister's comments. Louise Richards, director of policy and campaigns at the organisation, said it is “very happy” about Smith's intervention.