§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what measures his Department has taken to prevent pensions and benefits claimants with(a) learning disabilities and (b) registered sight loss from being penalised following the introduction of Automatic Credit Transfer; [76934]
(2) what funds have been allocated by his Department to prevent pensions and benefits claimants with (a) learning disabilities and (b) registered sight loss from being penalised following the introduction of Automatic Credit Transfer. [76935]
§ Malcolm WicksMany people in these circumstances already opt to be paid directly into their bank account. After April 2003 many others will be able to benefit from the greater flexibility that payment by automated credit transfer offers in terms of when and where they collect their money.
The new service is being designed with the needs of all customers in mind. Banks are making their basic accounts accessible at the Post Office. The Post Office is developing a post office card account which is a simple account just for the receipt of benefit, pension and tax credit payments. As is now the case with orderbooks and girocheques, customers can, if they wish, nominate someone else to collect their money for them. In these cases a second card will be issued.
82WOur information campaign will take customers through the changes that are being made to the way benefits and pensions are paid. Customers will be supplied with information which clearly sets out their account options including a leaflet which outlines the features of each type of account. This will help customers to decide which account best meets their needs and circumstances.
There have been no specific funds allocated to this group of claimants as the Government are confident that a service will be in place to ensure they will not be disadvantaged.
§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps will be taken to assist people in hospitals or otherwise unable to get to banks because of illness to collect pensions from source after January 2003. [77095]
§ Malcolm WicksAs with orderbooks and girocheques now, customers would need to give someone else access to their account. The precise arrangement would depend on which type of account they have. For those with a current account there are a number of well established options which include Power of Attorney arrangements, third party mandate with the bank or provide another person with a signed letter of authority. Those with a post office card account will be able to nominate someone else to access their account through a second card.
§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the Post Office has issued guidance but it will not advise customers on the best route for the payment of benefits after January 2003. [77096]
§ Malcolm WicksIt would not be appropriate for post office or Government staff to provide detailed financial advice, including which type of account people should open. The Government will make clear in its literature what options are available to customers. This literature will mention the option of continuing to collect money at a post office branch and the availability of the post office card account. The Post Office will also be able to supply information on banking at post offices. This will enable customers to decide which account best meets their needs and circumstances.
§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 24 July,Official Report, column 1570W, on incapacity reviews, what the findings were of the previous studies of sample cases. [77247]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe only previous study of a sample of cases was carried out in 1996 and found that on average the whole medical assessment process took 15.9 weeks where entitlement was confirmed and 17.7 weeks where benefit was withdrawn.