In considering the extension of credit and debit card facilities to remaining regions within HMCS the opinions of various groups within the debt industry (eg the Citizens Advice Bureau) were sought.
Those consulted expressed some concern that accepting credit card payments for a debt, particularly one which may have arisen from a consumer credit debt, may exacerbate a debtor’s difficulties. However, it was widely recognised that the introduction of credit and debit card facilities would be welcomed among the large majority of responsible court users where a debt has arisen from a genuine dispute for a small claim and that not providing these facilities would be denying those debtors a very convenient way to pay their debt.
All courts who have introduced credit and debit card facilities have found them to be extremely useful, allowing them to operate more efficiently. There is high demand from other courts, based on customer feedback, to introduce the facilities on a wider basis.
The national roll out of credit and debit card facilities is currently under consideration. The timetable for the introduction of these facilities has not yet been finalised.
The national roll out of credit and debit card facilities is currently under consideration. The timetable for the introduction of these facilities has not yet been finalised. The evaluation report will be published during the spring.