§ Mr. LazarowiczTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he will take to help(a) housebound and (b) disabled people access new systems for receiving benefits and tax credits. [139150]
§ Mr. PondThe Department is committed to ensure that all people have access to their benefits and pensions; indeed, many housebound and disabled customers have been paid by Direct Payment for some time.
All customers, including housebound and disabled people, are being provided with information on all of the account options suitable for Direct Payment. It is for customers themselves to decide which type of account they wish to have their money paid into. Once customers contact the Department they are able to talk to an advisor who can help them understand the options open to them.
Third party access will continue to be available under Direct Payment for those customers who may need someone to collect their benefit or pension for them.
However, we have always recognised that there will be a small group of people who we cannot pay directly into an account. We are developing an exceptions method of payment to pay this group.