British Gas has removed giro slips from some of its paper bills meaning that customers who don’t currently pay their bill by cheque will not be able to pay for that specific bill at the Post Office, a bank branch or Payzone kiosk.

However, those affected can still request a Giro slip if they want to change their payment method.

Customers can usually find a giro slip on a paper bill. This slip can be torn off and returned in the post alongside a cheque for the bill, or otherwise taken to the post office or bank in order to settle the bill.

Customers who are currently paying by cheque continue to get Giro slips with their bills.

It should be noted that it has not made any changes for customers who currently pay their energy bills using a Giro slip each month.

The spokesperson added: "Should a customer want to change their payment method, they can get in touch and we can help them with this."

Giro slips can be paid using either cheque, cash, debit card, or with credit and it is usually processed within three working days.

It is not a widely popular payment method but is frequently used by older or more vulnerable customers. 

More recently, more consumers are switching to cash as it helps them to keep track of their spending.

If people want to keep the giro slip and feel that it may be removed from their paper bill, they should contact British Gas.

James Daley, managing director at Fairer Finance, told the Sun : "Utility companies offer essential services, and so it's vital they make it as easy as possible for people to pay their bills.

"Many people still rely on paying via the Post Office and Payzone - and it's callous of British Gas to suddenly make these methods harder for most of their customers to use.

"Changes like this need to be carefully managed and communicated - and it would seem British Gas has managed to do neither of those."

A British Gas spokesperson said: "We've not made any changes for customers who currently pay by giro as we understand it's important for them to be able to pay in their preferred way."