Wednesday 4 July 2018


MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS: CHEQUE PAYMENTS

On 30 June 2018, the Executive Committee considered ways of driving down the use of cheques. Consideration was given to increasing the cost savings offered by the other payment methods, but whilst the existing discount for Standing Order payments has had some success, it was concluded that fee differentials were unlikely to provide sufficient incentive for the necessary total shift from cheque payments to the use of PayPal, online banking or Standing Orders.
 

It was noted that Standing Orders are often confused with Direct Debits.  Direct Debits are commonly suspected of allowing funds to be extracted from an individual’s bank account without their knowledge or agreement; the Club does not use them.  A Standing Order is an arrangement between only the Member and his or her bank, not involving the Club, providing for the payment to the Club of an amount specified by the Member, on a specified date.  The Club has no way of influencing the amount paid or its timing and the Standing Order can be cancelled by the Member at any time without the knowledge of the Club.

The Executive Committee decided that the payment of membership subscriptions by cheque would cease to be an option on 1 July 2019.

The programme of change will be supported by items in Fishtail reminding Members of the timescale together with the details of the various alternative payment methods.  Standing Orders can be set up by the Member online to the Member's bank or using forms which can be obtained from the Member’s bank, downloaded from the Club website or obtained by email or post from the Membership Secretary (Renewals), who will be pleased to assist in cases of difficulty.