§ Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will make it his policy to encourage claimants to opt for automatic credit transfer.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardCurrent policy is to encourage people to have their benefits paid into bank accounts by automated credit transfer. This method of payment is cheaper, more convenient for many, and reduces the risk of fraud. A leaflet explaining the advantages of ACT is included with retirement pension and child benefit claim forms.
At present, 38 per cent. of new pensioners and 32 per cent. of new recipients of child benefit choose to be paid by this method.