§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how pensions will be paid to pensioners with neither a bank account nor a Post Office Card Account. [142426]
§ Mr. PondAlmost 50 per cent. of pensioners are already paid by Direct Payment and 90 per cent. of pensioners already have an account suitable to receive Direct Payment. And for those who do not, new easy to operate accounts, which are accessible at the Post Office, are widely available.
We have always recognised that there will be a small number of people who we cannot pay directly into an account. Our plan is to design an exceptions method of payment to properly meet the needs of customers in these circumstances. Detailed arrangements for this method of payment are not finalised yet, but it is anticipated that it will be a cheque-based solution. Payment outlets will include Post Office branches.
§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claimants have(a) phoned his Department to request a Post Office Card Account, (b) completed a Card Account application form and returned it to EDS and (c) returned an invitation pack form with card account details to his Department. [142427]
§ Mr. PondKey figures on the progress of conversion to Direct Payment are available in the Library, updated every four weeks.
Information regarding the number of Post Office card account applications completed and returned are matters that fall within the responsibilities of Post Office Ltd. (POL).
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy(a) to end the practice of his Department's managers and agencies seeking to dissuade claimants from using the Post Office to access their benefits in preference to banks and building societies and (b) to promote the use of the Post Office for such a purpose on an equal basis; and if he will make a statement. [140925]
§ Mr. PondNo such practice exists. All Department for Work and Pensions staff have been provided with information on all of the account options available to the customer. The role of the staff member is to provide factual information and not advise which option the customer should choose. It will be up to the customers themselves to decide which type of account they wish to have their money paid into.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what targets his Department set for the number of people opting to use(a) bank or building society accounts and (b) Post Office card accounts to receive their benefits payments; and where these targets are published. [141507]
§ Mr. PondThe Department has a published Public Service Agreement (PSA) that by 2005. 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct322W Payment. Direct Payment includes both bank/building society current and basic accounts and the Post Office card account.
The PSA can be found in the 2002 Spending Review which is available in the House of Commons Library.
§ Mr. ChallenTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will withdraw the guidance circulating within his Department that encourages the use only of direct payments of benefits. [142215]
§ Mr. PondPayment directly into a bank or building society account, including the Post Office card account is the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions.
All staff have been provided with appropriate, up to date, guidance on all of the account options and it will be up to customers to choose the best account to suit their circumstances.