Three years after the proposal to abolish cheques was thwarted, government has opened a consultation into bringing cheque technology into the 21st century.

HM Treasury has proposed the introduction of ‘cheque imaging’, whereby cheques can be paid in by the recipient taking a picture of the cheque with their smartphone or tablet. The consultation also suggests the electronic processing of cheques at individual bank branches.

Charities were among the most vocal opponents to the abolition of cheques by 2018 proposal put forward by the Payments Council in 2009, but this latest move by government indicates an even greater commitment to keeping cheques. Some £840bn worth of cheques was processed in 2012, and the paper payments comprise a significant proportion of income for many small charities in particular.

Government is calling on interested parties to respond to the proposals to introduce cheque imaging.