The National Federation of Retail Newsagents has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to hold an inquiry into the costs incurred by retailers in accepting payments by cards and cash.

As part of a drive to make improvements in the field of card payment fees, the EU has commissioned Deloittes to conduct an online survey of retailers. This can be found by clicking here.

With Deloittes, in turn, approaching the NFRN and asking for its members to participate, national president Alan Smith is encouraging members to complete the online survey.

He said: “With electronic payments increasing and likely to do so in the future, the cost associated with them is an important issue for the independent retailer.

“The European Commission has the power to get retailers a better deal from card providers and I would therefore urge members to help, by providing the information requested by the survey.”

Within the past few days the Commission has also announced an antitrust investigation into Mastercard.