§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons a married couple will be issued with two different Pin numbers for a Post 17WS Office card account when the card account holder appoints a Permanent Agent with limited access to the account. [134207]
§ Mr. TimmsThe detailed operation of the Post Office card account is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd.
I understand from Post Office Ltd. that the Permanent Agent is issued with a separate card and PIN number from the Primary Account Holder for security reasons. It ensures that every time the Permanent Agent accesses the Primary Account Holders account it is noted on the account history for audit purposes. This is clearly important as the Permanent Agent can make cash withdrawals.
§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons a married couple are not permitted to open a joint Post Office card account. [134208]
§ Mr. TimmsThe detailed operation of the Post Office card account is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd.
The Post Office card account has been designed as a simple account for the payment of benefits to individuals. It is not intended as a substitute for a current account and a joint account facility is not available on the Post Office card account. The Post Office card account is primarily for those who do not have, or choose not to use their current account, for whatever reason. However, access by someone other than the Primary Account Holder is incorporated as a facility as this is currently a vital component of benefit collection at the Post Office. Therefore, all card account applicants have the option of electing a Permanent Agent.
§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what eligibility restrictions there are on a Post Office card account. [134209]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Post Office card account is only available to benefit, pension and tax credit recipients. There are no other eligibility criteria.