HC Deb 07 July 2003 vol 408 cc599-600W
11. Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Works and Pensions what recent steps the Government has taken to ensure that pensioners are fully informed about the Post Office Card Account method of direct payment of benefits. [123531]

Mr. Pond

Pensioners are being provided with straightforward information about all of their account options so they can choose the account which is right for them.

Pensioners who want to continue to collect their money from the Post Office can choose a current account which offers Post Office access, a basic bank account or the new Post Office card account.

The letters and leaflets being sent to pensioners set out the procedures for opening a Post Office card account. So far over 74,000 pensioner—half of those who have responded—have chosen a card account.

I am today placing in the Library details of the latest key figures on the progress of conversion to Direct Payment.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements will be put in place for benefit and pension claimants who do not choose to take out either a bank account or a post office card account. [123853]

Mr. Pond

Around 87 per cent. of customers already have bank accounts. And for those who do not, new easy to operate accounts, which are accessible at the Post Office, are widely available. Our aim is to have an exceptions service available for those very few remaining customers who are genuinely unable to open or operate any type of bank account.

Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the impact that the increase in fee-charging ATMs will have on pensioners and those who receive benefits as the benefit system migrates to electronic transfer. [117080]

Malcolm Wicks

Customers are being provided with information that clearly sets out their account options as part of the move to direct payment. They will have more choice and flexibility about when, where and how much money they collect.

Customers have a number of options as to how they access their money including the Post Office, over the counter at banks and building societies, ATMs and via the cashback facilities offered by retailers.

Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether there will be a formal consultation process on the details of the proposed Exceptions Service for people who are unable or unwilling to have their benefits paid directly into a bank account. [121223]

Mr. Pond

There are no plans for a formal consultation process.

The Department will continue to informally consult with a broad range of customer groups on payment options.