§ Mr. AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will seek to amend existing legislation to permit the direct payment of income support into the754W personal bank accounts of disabled pensioners already receiving all other benefits through the credit transfer system.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe facility to have benefit paid directly into a bank account is restricted to beneficiaries paid by computer because a transfer of magnetic tapes is required to effect the payment to the bank. Income support is paid clerically in local social security offices and the direct payment facility cannot be made available at present.
However, it is anticipated that payment of income support will be computerised by the early 1990s and direct payment to bank accounts will then be offered as an option. Amending legislation is not required.