A HI-TECH scheme to revolutionise the way residents collect benefits is being rolled out at Droitwich Spa Post Office.
Pin pads have been installed at the Victoria Square counters and from the spring, young and old will begin swapping benefit books for bank style cards.
It's hoped this will modernise the delivery of allowances and reduce fraud.
Spa Post Office manager Joy Merrick said customers collecting benefits will take their new card to the counter, where a clerk will swipe it.
Customers must then enter a personal number into the new pin pads, and if their entry is correct, they can access their benefits.
Residents can withdraw the full allowance or just take the amount required.
Government
The move follows a Government decision to pay all benefits into bank accounts. Anyone who does not have a bank account will be offered one of three free types of accounts, including a Post Office account.
Many banks and building societies already allow their clients to withdraw funds from Post Office counters.
Introduction of the direct payment scheme will be staggered until 2005. Information will be sent to would-be users in the post.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article