§ Kate HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the document, Payment Modernisation Project, sent to field directors on 7 October by Mr. Alan Linton of Jobcentre Plus; [141420]
(2) what advice has been given to field directors on encouraging more Jobcentre Plus customers to move to direct payment. [141421]
§ Mr. PondThe document has already been widely circulated to hon. Members-it is now placed in the Library as requested.
The Department has a published PSA target that by 2005 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct Payment.
The primary purpose of this document was to act as a reminder to staff of the need to ensure that new Jobcentre Plus customers are paid by Direct Payment from the outset of their claim. The document was designed to equip staff with the factual information they need to provide to customers, in order for customers themselves to choose the account which best meets their needs and circumstances.