§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will arrange for those pensioners who continue to draw their pensions by way of Giros to have the option of having the Giros sent to the local Post Office where they will be cashed. [189281]
§ Mr. PondUnder normal arrangements when customers are paid by cheque, payment is sent to their home address.
Cheques can be paid into bank/building societies as well as being cashed at Post Offices; however, all cheques over the value of £350 have to be paid into a bank/building society account.
Sending cheques directly to the Post Office does not provide the same opportunity for casual agent encashment.
There are no plans in place to change these existing arrangements.
The same outcome would be achieved if customers choose to have their pension or benefit paid by Direct Payment into an account which is accessible at the Post Office. Many current accounts, basic bank accounts as well as the Post Office Card Account offer this facility.
Payment by Direct Payment would also provide customers with additional benefits. Depending on the account they choose, customers will be able to take advantage of all financial services available including:
discounts on some bills paid by direct debit;a cheque-book and a debit card;and they will be able to withdraw as much or as little of their money as they want at any one time.