CHEQUE PAYMENTS FOR PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Early day motion 1968, tabled 7 July 2008 by Robert Smith (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 88 members.

That this House notes that around 400,000 people currently choose to receive pension and benefit payments by Department for Work and Pensions cheques; further notes that the Pension Service is pressing those recipients to receive the benefits through direct payment into a bank account; recalls that in 2004 the Government recognised that recipients who require a cheque payment were likely to include those who are least able to cope with change; therefore urges the Government to again recognise that direct payment is not an appropriate method for some of the most vulnerable members of society; and calls on the Government to continue to allow cheques to be used as a means to withdraw state pension and benefits at local post offices.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 43, Labour 32, DUP 5, Conservative 3, Scottish National Party 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2.