§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has issued to local authorities concerning the payment of housing benefit to pensioners without bank accounts; and how many local authorities pay automatically through Girocheques which may be cashed at post offices.
§ Dr. BoysonGuidance to local authorities on methods of payment for housing benefits is contained in circular HB(82)2. Full information on the numbers of local authorities who pay by Girocheque is not held centrally.