Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her policy is on maintaining benefit payments in cash form to claimants.

The Departments payment policy does not include cash payments. This policy outlines that the standard method of payment is into a bank, building society, credit union account, internet based and basic bank account. There are also two payment exception services (Post Office card account and HMG PES) that enable individuals who cannot manage a standard bank account, access to their money from various outlets. When the contracts for these services end, a replacement service will be introduced.

We are committed to ensuring that those who need cash payments will be able to access them in their local area and that an over the counter face to face service will remain available.