§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what plans he has to co-operate with consumer groups to assess the effectiveness of the direct754W payment literature being sent to recipients of pensions and benefits; and if he will make a statement; [99708]
(2) what plans he has to assess the effectiveness of the direct payments literature being sent to recipients of pensions and benefits; and if he will make a statement; [99707]
(3) what plans he has to use surveys to assess the effectiveness of the direct payment literature being sent to recipients of pensions and benefits; and if he will make a statement. [99706]
§ Malcolm WicksThe Department is supplying customers with information about all of their account options, including those that can be accessed at Post Office branches, to help customers choose the account that best suits their needs and circumstances.
Customer information material is routinely tested on representative samples of the Department's customers before it is issued and its effectiveness is continually assessed through ongoing monitoring and review. Customers are being regularly surveyed about the Department's information material throughout the duration of the conversion period.
We have consulted with consumer and special interest groups (including Postwatch and the NFSP) on the development of our customer information material and they have been given several opportunities to comment on our proposals. We will continue to work closely with them throughout the conversion period and as the information campaign progresses.