HL Deb 17 May 2000 vol 613 cc25-6WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What a benefit recipient will present to the Post Office for payment after the end of the present payment book system. [HL2320]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

Starting in 2003 the normal method of paying benefit will be by automated credit transfer (ACT) into a bank account. Those who wish to do so will be able to access their cash at post offices.

The precise means of doing so will be a matter for the Post Office and the banks. However, we expect available options to include withdrawing money through a bankcard being swiped through the new "Horizon" computer terminals currently being installed in post offices or from the cash machines that will be installed in some post offices.

We also recognise there will be some people whom we will not be able to pay by ACT and some urgent payments that cannot be made this way. A system will be put in place to enable these people to access their cash at post offices. We are still considering the detailed arrangements.