EXEMPTION FROM UTILITY BILL PAYMENT SURCHARGES FOR PENSIONERS

Motion Text

That this House, while welcoming the introduction this year of the choice of direct payments of benefits, pensions and tax credits into banks, building societies and Post Office card accounts, nevertheless expresses concern that elderly people, many of whom do not hold such accounts, are penalised around ú2 monthly for paying domestic utility bills by means other than direct debit; and calls upon utility companies to exempt pensioners from such treatment and allow them to make payment using traditional means.