§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) whether claimants having to attend interviews to assess a claim to continue receiving a benefit as a cash payment(a) will be provided with travel assistance where they have no ready access to public transport and (b) will be able to claim travel expenses; and if he will make a statement; [83998]
(2) whether interviews with claimants wishing to continue receiving cash payments will take place as close as possible to their home; and if he will make a statement; [83999]
(3) whether claimants will be required to attend an interview in order to continue receiving cash payments of their benefits from the Post Office; and if he will make a statement; [84000]
(4) what information benefit claimants will have to provide if they wish to continue receiving cash payments from the Post Office; and if he will make a statement. [84001]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownFrom April 2003 the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions will be directly into bank, building society or Post Office card accounts. Customers who wish to continue to collect their benefit or pension in cash at the Post Office need to choose one of the account options that can be accessed at post offices and provide these account details to the Department. Customers will not be required to attend special interviews as part of this process.