Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the role is of private sector companies in assisting benefit claimants in opening bank or post office accounts.

Answer: John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the role is of private sector companies in assisting benefit claimants in opening bank or post office accounts. [224058] Mr. Pond: The Department is working with a number of private sector providers and not-for-profit organisations to help convert people from order books and cheques to direct payment into a bank, building society or Post Office card account. The Department regularly works with such organisations who are able to focus tailored help on customers who are disadvantaged or facing particular difficulties. In particular, we have asked them to support customers who may not have been reached by our customer conversion centre or who might be finding it difficult to open a suitable account. This is part of our commitment to increasing financial inclusion and giving customers all the help, information and support they need to open the account which best meets their needs and circumstances.

Secondary information