SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has sought clarity from the Department for Communities over whether Post Office (POca) customers can continue to use their accounts for benefits and state pension payments after their contract ends on November 2021.
Customers are currently being encouraged to switch to an alternative bank or building society account ahead of this changeover.
Yet despite putting this question to the Department and Minister Hargey on a number of occasions, Mr Durkan said it is ‘baffling’ that they cannot provide a clear answer on the matter.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The continued uncertainty surrounding Post Office card accounts has caused a great deal of confusion and stress for a lot of vulnerable people.
“Firstly, I want to reassure customers that they can continue using this method of payment in the intervening period as the contract between the Department for Communities and Post Office will not end until November 2021.
“However, I have been trying to ascertain whether the switch-over to an alternative mainstream account is in fact a legal requirement or if customers can continue to avail of their Post Office accounts after this date.
“My constituency office has consistently dealt with queries over the last year after letters distributed by the department, encouraged people to open a bank or building society an attempt to ease the transition once the contract with Post Office comes to an end.
“Yet despite seeking clarity from the department on numerous occasions beginning last August and subsequent questions to Minister Hargey in recent weeks, details remain vague and I would argue unnecessarily unclear.
“Each time I have received the same copy and paste response but remain no further forward.”
Mr Durkan added: “For many pensioners the Post Office account is a simple and trusted method and has proved very effective to date – the phrase ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind.
“The department’s aim for greater financial inclusion for all customers, I fear is actually excluding many from the basic payment methods which they have enjoyed to date.
“The department have acknowledged the fact that vulnerable customers will still have difficulty accessing mainstream account services.
“In such cases, they will offer a replacement exception payment service – although they cannot provide a timeframe of when this service will be made available.
“Considering the frustration and difficulty I have experienced as an MLA to get answers on this matter it is ridiculous that pensioners; some of the most vulnerable people within our society are expected to understand how this process will work.
“This complete lack of transparency has caused much concern and with the future of this service left up in the air, I would ask again that the Minister provide clarity to ensure there is no further confusion for service-users going forward.”
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