Income Support (Hansard, 6 November 1992)

§ Miss Widdecombe

The administration of Income Support is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Andrew Bowden, dated 5 November 1992: As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking what plans he has to make Income Support payable by direct credit transfer; under what circumstances Income Support can currently be paid to a bank or building society account; and what guidance is available to both staff and customers. The Citizen's Charter committed us to making the facility to have benefit paid by Automated Credit Transfer (ACT) as soon as possible. The Benefits Agency also sees the ACT facility as a means of improving service to its customers. ACT is already available for a range of benefits, including 461W Retirement Pensions and Child Benefit. As far as Income Support is concerned the introduction of ACT requires the adaptation of our computer systems, of our claim forms and of our literature. This will take some time, and the introduction of ACT for Income Support is planned for October 1993. Currently, payment to a bank or building society can be considered where a customer has real difficulties in getting to a Post Office and has no one to act as an agent or appointee. An appointee is someone who is appointed to act on behalf of a customer who is unable to manage his or her own affairs. All Districts have comprehensive written guidance covering arrangements for customers who may have difficulties, for example someone with health or mobility problems who has no 'carer' or regular visitor; these include direct payments where a bank or building society agree to the arrangement. The customer is, however, advised that the bank or building society may charge for the service. In such cases, guidance to customers is provided via detailed correspondence. In addition (and generally) notifications and leaflets issued to customers advise them to contact their local Benefits Agency Office if they require further advice, disagree with a decision or have anything else they wish to raise. I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.