§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy that recipients of the proposed integrated child credit will be required to have their payments paid into a bank account. [18086]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 26 November 2001]: Payment direct to bank accounts is the most efficient, secure and flexible way of delivering direct payments. The consultation document 'New Tax Credits—Supporting families, making work pay and tackling poverty' made clear that it is proposed to make all direct payments of tax credits to claimants' bank accounts.
The Government are currently spearheading a drive to tackle financial exclusion. Work to ensure that those without bank accounts will be able to open a suitable account into which tax credits can be paid is being taken forward together with the Post Office and major banks.