PAYMENT OF BENEFITS AND PENSIONS AT POST OFFICES

Early day motion 1821, tabled 26 October 2004 by Mohammad Sarwar (Labour). Signed by 94 members.

That this House expresses deep concern at the current position facing benefit and pension payees at post offices over bank and local holiday weekends; recognises that most claimants of the traditional Monday Book now opt for Direct Payment Post Office accounts; understands that they do not now receive advance payment when the due date falls on a bank or local holiday; notes that the Department of Work and Pensions releases payments to Post Office Counters in advance of bank and local holidays but post offices do not release these funds until after each Monday holiday; and calls on the Government to ensure that Post Office Counters refrain from withholding these important advance release payments.

Signatures by party: Labour 56, Liberal Democrat 19, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 4, DUP 4, Scottish National Party 3, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.