The clearing banks are to cease allowing debit cards to be used as cheque guarantee cards from no later than 30 June 2011.
However, it is thought that several of the major banks will remove the cheque guarantee facility earlier.
In practice, the decision means that payment by cheque will no longer be possible in many circumstances.This is the latest step in a campaign to phase out cheques entirely.
If you would have difficulty in managing your finances without the availability of cheques, now is the time to start considering your options.