The Financial Inclusion policy has two main principles: a commitment to consider financial inclusion issues when making a major change to a collaborative system - which involves identifying any potential effects of change and any vulnerable groups who will be affected, and then working to lessen any negative impact caused by the change. The other principle aims to ensure that any co-operative payment innovation is designed to be inclusive, so that it is accessible, easy to use, adaptable and intelligently designed. A copy of the Financial Inclusion policy can be obtained from the Payments Council website.
The policy document was developed in consultation with organisations able to provide expert input on financial inclusion issues, ranging from consumer groups Toynbee Hall and Age Concern and Help the Aged, through to HM Treasury and the Financial Inclusion Taskforce.

Adam Clark, who manages Transact, the national forum for financial inclusion at the charity Toynbee Hall said:

"We're really pleased to see that the Payments Council is committed to ensuring that as the payments we use change and innovate, the needs of those who face financial exclusion will be recognised."

Paul Smee, Chief Executive of the Payments Council said:

"Ensuring that payment systems and services meet the needs of all users is the Payment Council's raison d'être. When developing the priority issues highlighted in the National Payments Plan, we always consider financial inclusion issues, and indeed the recent review of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme complied with all the requirements found in this policy document.

The Payments Council is proud to promote financial inclusion and this policy document is testament to our commitment to ensure that the payment needs of disadvantaged sections of society are fully considered as we drive forward change in payments."