Written question asked by Andrew Turner (Conservative) on Friday, 7 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 June 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Thursday, 20 June 2002 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, whether agreement has been reached with the banks on the cost to (a) his Department and (b) account holders of payment of benefits through bank accounts.

Answer: Mr. Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether agreement has been reached with the banks on the cost to (a) his Department and (b) account holders of payment of benefits through bank accounts. [60844] Malcolm Wicks: Over 40 per cent. of customers are currently paid directly into their bank accounts. Each payment costs taxpayers one penny as opposed to the overall cost of £1.47 for each girocheque cashed and 68p for each order book foil presented. Banks do not normally charge their customers for making withdrawals from their accounts.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 60844; 387 c501W;387 c500-1W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Costs Bank services Banks Recipients Social security benefits Automated credit transfer
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk