Cheque payment option for pensions and benefits must be protected- Bruce

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Jul 2008

Mr Bruce has backed a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to keep the cheque option for pensions and benefits

Local MP Malcolm Bruce has slammed a Government move which may force up to 400,000 pensioners and benefit recipients to receive their payments through direct payments to bank accounts, rather than by cheques that can be cashed at local post offices.

Mr Bruce has backed a Parliamentary motion tabled by neighbouring West Aberdeenshire MP, Sir Robert Smith MP, which calls on the Government to recognise that direct payment methods are not appropriate for the most vulnerable members of society, and that cheque payments should continue to be an option for those who need it. The motion has already gained support from MPs of all the major parties across Parliament.

Commenting, Mr Bruce said:

"When the Government phased out the old order books from 2003, they recognised that cheque payments were still needed for those in society least able to cope with change. Now they are putting pressure on vulnerable people to do just that. The Department of Work and Pensions needs to re-think its plans.

"Cheque payments are a flexible method of payment suited to people who are not able, or do not wish to open a bank account. Friends and family are able to cash cheques on behalf of those who may not be able to get to their local Post Office to receive payments. The Government should continue to provide a flexible service that recognises the daily needs of the most vulnerable members of society, rather than trying to make life easier for the Department of Work and Pensions."

ENDS