SINCE last month, some people have been unable to collect their pension or benefits in cash at their local post offices.
They need to have the money paid into a bank account, or to open a Post Office Card Account and then withdraw the cash.
But the Government has made it too difficult to open these Post Office Accounts.
This new system will apply to everyone within the next two years, putting post offices under threat because some people will stop using their services.
It will also make life more difficult for the vulnerable in our communities, and the arrangements for relations or friends to collect benefits for them are inadequate.
So far, almost 40 per cent of those asked by the Government to use the new system have not. It's not clear what will happen to them when their order books are withdrawn.
It should be made easier to open a Post Office Card Account and arrangements should be in place to meet vulnerable people's needs.
OLIVER HEALD,
Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions.
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