Calls for clear information on way pensions can be paid

North Yorkshire County Council wants the Government to tell people they can receive a weekly cheque as a result of the latest rethink on payments.

Senior councillors fear the Government has failed to recognise that 56 per cent of pensioners in the county choose to use a pension book and that many still prefer to collect their pension at a local post office using a pension book.

A three-year project to replace pension books and over-the-counter Giro payments with direct payment to bank or post office accounts is almost complete with the result that from April, no traditional pension book payments will be made.

But the authority's executive is worried that too many problems have come to light as a result of the Government's proposals.

The council leader, Councillor John Weighell, said: "Through its pensions proposals the Government does not seem to have taken account of the fact that it is dealing with some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

"Since the change-over began in April 2003, some pensioners have been put in a very difficult position through no fault of their own as they are asked to change from pension book to bank or post office."

The executive is urging the Government to provide pensioners with clear and consistent information on all the payments options open to them - including which bank and building society accounts allow pensioners to receive their money at a post office.

Coun Weighell said: "For many elderly people who rely solely on the money collected from their local post office many banks or building societies are inaccessible.

"If they want to access their account at a post office they are given a telephone number to ring, which is unhelpful to the deaf or hard of hearing.

"For those with sight problems who can't use PIN, only one other person can be given the number - which doesn't help those people who rely on a number of relatives and care workers."