Written question asked by Helen Clark (Labour) 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, what priorities he has set in relation to increasing direct payment of benefits and pensions. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what priorities he has set in relation to increasing direct payment of benefits and pensions. [143208] Mr. Pond: The Department has a published Public Service Agreement target that by 2005, 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct Payment. The move to Direct Payment is progressing well. Key figures on the progress of conversion to Direct Payment are available in the Library updated every four weeks.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 143208; 415 c1087W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bank services Pensions Payments Post offices Social security benefits Post office card account Automated credit transfer Payment methods
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk