§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent discussions he has had with the banking industry concerning the automated credit transfer of benefits. [116854]
§ Mr. RookerWe have decided to move to automated credit transfer (ACT) from 2003 as a modern, more secure and efficient method of paying benefits.
We have already begun discussions with the banking industry on issues surrounding benefit recipients, charges and other matters. Most of the discussions have been at official level—these will continue.