Vincent Cable Raises Post Office Card Account in Parliament

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Jun 2003

Vincent Cable MP outside Number 10 , presenting 100,000 signatures against Post Office Closures

Vincent Cable, MP, last week led off for the Lib Dems on an Opposition Day debate on the new Post Office card for pensioners, drawing on discussions with local pensioners at the Whitton Day Centre.

The opposition argued that the government was discouraging pensioners (and benefit recipients) from using the card when their books are phased out and are pressing them to use banks instead, even though many prefer to stay with the Post Office.

The loss of business following the changeover is a major factor behind the closure of post offices (as in Stanley Road,

Teddington).

Vincent Cable said: "It was clear from talking to the pensioners in Whitton that although all there had bank accounts, they wished to continue using the post office. Some banks - Barclays, Alliance and Leicester, the Co-op and Lloyds - will allow their customers to cash cheques at the Post Office or draw money using a card. Other banks - NatWest, Abbey National, Midland HSBC, Halifax - will not co-operate. "

"The government is presiding over massive uncertainty and creating confusion. Over the next two years more and more pensioners will be notified about the changeover and will "

"have to overcome a veritable obstacle course if they wish to continue using the post office and belong to the 'wrong' bank. And many post offices will close".

"40 MPs from all parties - a large majority of MPs - have signed a motion expressing concern about what could happen if the government does not make it easier for those pensioners who wish to continue to, to use the Post Office".