§ Mr. LazarowiczTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the Exceptions Service will operate in respect of people in debt whose benefits are being used to pay off debts to their bank under the right of set-off. [139151]
§ Mr. PondThere are a wide range of accounts available which are free to operate and do not offer overdraft facilities. Account providers make their customers aware of the features of individual accounts and leaflets provided to benefits customers and pensioners also set out which types of accounts offer overdraft facilities.
Detailed arrangements for the exceptions method of payment are not finalised yet, but it is anticipated that it will be a cheque-based solution. The small number of customers who cannot operate an account will be able to pay their benefit or pension into an account of their choice, or access their cash at Post Office branches.