Sir,
Many pensioners like myself chose to have their state retirement pension paid by order book in cash at the Post Office. The Government intends to make changes to this method of paying, not only retirement pensions, but also child benefits and other Social Security benefits.
In coming months pensioners, mothers and other beneficiaries who currently encash order books and girocheques at PO counters will receive letters asking them to choose from three options. Although counter staff will assist customers and answer queries they are not allowed to show favour toward any particular option - customers must make their own choice. It is therefore important that such customers realise that despite the changes, they can still choose to continue to collect payment weekly in cash and without charge from any Post Office branch (as promised by the government in April 2000).
This option will be known as the 'Post Office Account' and customers will be issued with a plastic card and PIN Number instead of an order book or girocheque. With Post Offices closing because of falling business, it is vital for communities that we support local branches with our custom and so help retain their customer base.
Ian Nicholls,
1 Bevelin Hall,