HC Deb 18 December 2003 vol 415 c1087W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether those customers invited to transfer to direct payment who(a) do not reply and (b) reply and decline a direct payment option will be automatically transferred to the exceptions service; and if he will make a statement. [1430871

Mr. Pond

We will be further contacting customers who continue to be paid by order book. Any customers who cannot open or operate a bank account, or fail to respond to our mailing will continue to be paid by their current method of payment.

Our plan is to design an exceptions method of payment to properly meet the needs of those customers who are unable to operate an account. Detailed arrangements for this method of payment are not finalised yet, but it is anticipated that it will be a cheque-based solution. Payment outlets will include Post Office branches. We are in the process of discussing the design of the exceptions method of payment with the representative bodies most directly affected.

Mrs. Helen Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what priorities he has set in relation to increasing direct payment of benefits and pensions.[143208]

Mr. Pond

The Department has a published Public Service Agreement target that by 2005, 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct Payment.

The move to Direct Payment is progressing well. Key figures on the progress of conversion to Direct Payment are available in the Library updated every four weeks.