To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Post Office card accounts have been opened; and what targets have been set for (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c)2005. [116178]
As at 23 May 2003,.321,000 customers have said they want to open a Post Office card accountWe have no targets for the number of people opening a Post Office card account. But we do have a published target in our public service agreement to pay 85 per cent. of customers by Direct Payment by 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether people reaching pensionable age or becoming eligible for another benefit on or after April 2005 will be offered the option of a Post Office card account; and if he will make a statement. [115952]
Payment directly into an account became the normal method of payment for pensions and benefit from April 2003. All customers, including pensioners, will continue to be provided with the information they need on all of their "banking options", including the Post Office card account.