§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security to what extent his target of having 85 per cent. of customers having benefits paid into their bank by 2005 is consistent with the Government's plan to complete the transition to ACT by 2005; and if he will make a statement on his plans for those customers who do not receive payment by ACT by 2005. [159166]
§ Mr. RookerThese two aims are entirely consistent. Payment directly into bank or building society accounts will become the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions starting in 2003 and completing in 2005.
We have always recognised that there will be some people who we will be unable to pay directly through bank or building society accounts, and some payments that cannot be made this way. This is reflected in our Public Service Agreement target of 85 per cent. of our customers having their benefits paid into bank or building society accounts by 2005. For those payments which we cannot make directly into bank or building society accounts, we are considering what alternative simple electronic money transmission system, which could also be accessed at post offices, will be commercially available.