03/04/2002
Social Security Agency and Post Office agree deal
The Social Security Agency and the Post Office have signed a unique agreement that will see pension and benefit payments paid directly into their bank accounts.
The system, which is known automated credit transfer (ACT), is due to be introduced in April 2003.
However, traditional methods of collecting benefits at the Post Office, through an order book or girocheque, will still be available to customers.
Speaking after the contract was signed between the Post Office and the Social Security Agency, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds said: “This contract is good news for customers in receipt of social security benefit. It is an important step in our move towards paying all benefits electronically.
“From April 2003, the Social Security Agency will start to pay benefits through a bank or building society account or the Card Account at the Post Office. By April 2005, we will be paying all benefits into accounts.”
Sir John Semple, Director, Northern Ireland Affairs, added: “I am pleased this key agreement is now in place to enable the Post Office to provide its own banking service for the collection of benefits payments. With nine out of ten people living within a mile of a Post Office branch, banking at the Post Office is easy and convenient for the majority of people.
“Our research has shown that people trust the Post Office and value the personal, face-to-face service we provide - invaluable in the delivery of banking services to our customers.”
(AMcE)
The system, which is known automated credit transfer (ACT), is due to be introduced in April 2003.
However, traditional methods of collecting benefits at the Post Office, through an order book or girocheque, will still be available to customers.
Speaking after the contract was signed between the Post Office and the Social Security Agency, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds said: “This contract is good news for customers in receipt of social security benefit. It is an important step in our move towards paying all benefits electronically.
“From April 2003, the Social Security Agency will start to pay benefits through a bank or building society account or the Card Account at the Post Office. By April 2005, we will be paying all benefits into accounts.”
Sir John Semple, Director, Northern Ireland Affairs, added: “I am pleased this key agreement is now in place to enable the Post Office to provide its own banking service for the collection of benefits payments. With nine out of ten people living within a mile of a Post Office branch, banking at the Post Office is easy and convenient for the majority of people.
“Our research has shown that people trust the Post Office and value the personal, face-to-face service we provide - invaluable in the delivery of banking services to our customers.”
(AMcE)
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£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
27 July 2007
Post Office staff to stage walkout
Further postal strikes will continue today with the expected half-day strike of counter staff at nine post offices. The nine post offices affected are in Newtownards, Bangor, Antrim, Coleraine, Londonderry, Lisburn and two in Belfast. The walkout will be the fifth in a continuing dispute over pay and conditions and will begin at 2.30pm.
Post Office staff to stage walkout
Further postal strikes will continue today with the expected half-day strike of counter staff at nine post offices. The nine post offices affected are in Newtownards, Bangor, Antrim, Coleraine, Londonderry, Lisburn and two in Belfast. The walkout will be the fifth in a continuing dispute over pay and conditions and will begin at 2.30pm.
23 January 2006
Loss of contract could cause Post Office collapse
The Post Office network in Northern Ireland "will collapse" if the plans to change welfare benefit payments are implemented. The warning stems from the government's refusal to renew the £1 billion contract for the Post Office Card Account. This account is used by around 4.
Loss of contract could cause Post Office collapse
The Post Office network in Northern Ireland "will collapse" if the plans to change welfare benefit payments are implemented. The warning stems from the government's refusal to renew the £1 billion contract for the Post Office Card Account. This account is used by around 4.
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Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
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21 October 2009
Postal Strike Hits NI
Postal staff are to go on strike this Thursday. The talking is over - for now - as attempts to broker a deal with postal staff have failed to halt industrial action.
Postal Strike Hits NI
Postal staff are to go on strike this Thursday. The talking is over - for now - as attempts to broker a deal with postal staff have failed to halt industrial action.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.