Mark has welcomed confirmation from Ministers that people can still pay by cash or cheque for services provided by Government departments and agencies.

He submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister for the Cabinet Office to ask if he will ensure that people without access to online and mobile banking can make payments for services.

Responding, Cabinet Office Minister Jeremy Quin confirmed that the Government will ensure "that assistance is always available for those who need it. All Government departments and agencies are required to be compliant with HMG’s ‘Service Standard’ available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/service-standard. Specifically, point 5 of the Service Standard requires that government services are accessible to all users, including disabled people, people with other legally protected characteristics, people who do not have access to the internet and those who lack the skills or confidence to use the internet."

Commenting, Mark said:

"I welcome the Government's commitment to allow payment by cash and cheque for Government services like renewing passports or driving licences. While many people are comfortable with mobile or online banking, others do not have access to those services or do not feel comfortable using them, and their right to pay in traditional ways must be protected."