Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 December 2003. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003 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 those customers invited to transfer to direct payment who (a) do not reply and (b) reply and decline a direct payment option will be automatically transferred to the exceptions service; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether those customers invited to transfer to direct payment who (a) do not reply and (b) reply and decline a direct payment option will be automatically transferred to the exceptions service; and if he will make a statement. [143087] Mr. Pond: We will be further contacting customers who continue to be paid by order book. Any customers who cannot open or operate a bank account, or fail to respond to our mailing will continue to be paid by their current method of payment. Our plan is to design an exceptions method of payment to properly meet the needs of those customers who are unable to operate an account. Detailed arrangements for this method of payment are not finalised yet, but it is anticipated that it will be a cheque- based solution. Payment outlets will include Post Office branches. We are in the process of discussing the design of the exceptions method of payment with the representative bodies most directly affected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 143087; 415 c1087W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bank services Pensions Payments Post offices Social security benefits Post office card account Automated credit transfer Payment methods
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk