§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what funding the Government have secured from the main lending banks in order to finance the Universal Bank project. [43345]
§ Malcolm WicksThe main UK high street banks and the Nationwide Building Society have together agreed to contribute a total of £180 million over five years towards the costs of the new Post Office Card Account. They have also agreed to make their basic bank accounts accessible through post offices.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many discussions he has had with the Post Office on the Universal bank; [43338]
(2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Universal bank project. [43342]
§ Malcolm WicksOfficials from the Department, together with Inland Revenue and Northern Ireland social security agency officials, meet with the Post Office on a regular basis. Contracts have now been signed between these Departments and the Post Office for the provision of the new post office card account.