Post Office reach agreement over benefits payment
Post Office Ltd recently announced it had reached agreement with the Government which will enable customers to continue collecting their benefit payments in cash at Post Office branches after the switch to automated credit transfer (ACT) from April 2003.
ŒŒThis key agreement is now in place to enable us to provide our own banking service for the collection of benefits payments,¹¹ said Dave Barrett, Head of Post Office in Wales.
ŒŒWith nine out of 10 people living within a mile of a Post Office branch, banking at the Post Office is easy and convenient for the majority of people.
ŒŒOur research has shown that people trust the Post Office and value the personal, face-to-face service we provide.¹¹
Customers will be able to continue using Post Office branches to collect their benefit payments in cash after the switch to ACT through an existing bank account, as some people already choose to do, or through a basic bank account or a card account available at the Post Office. Real-time banking transactions will be supported by IBM technology.
IBM¹s banking software will connect with the Horizon computer system, supplied and enhanced by ICL, which is already on the counter of every Post Office branch to give customers direct access to their bank accounts.
Christian Noll, managing principal, public sector, IBM Global Services, said: ŒŒThis news shows that IBM will play a key part in the electronic transformation of Post Office Ltd.
ŒŒThe Post Office recognised the role technology can play in defining leadership, creating business value and enhancing the customer experience. IBM will contribute world class skills and expertise for business advantage.¹¹
David Courtley, ICL¹s chief executive officer, added: ŒŒICL is delighted that we will continue to work closely with the Post Office in developing bankingservices across the Post Office branch network. This is a key service for their future and ICL is committed to applying world class resources to ensure the project¹s success.
ŒŒThis new service will enhance the already world class service available through all Post Office branches via the Horizon system.¹¹
The Post Office is also working with Electronic Data Systems (EDS)/Citibank in developing the card accounts which will be available at Post Office branches.
EDS will undertake production of the account cards, account administration and account enquiries.
ŒŒEDS enjoys strategic partnerships with the Department for Work and Pensions, Inland Revenue and other government departments to help them modernising government,¹¹ said Bill Thomas, managing director, EDS UK & Ireland.
ŒŒReaching agreement with the Government represents a major step forward for the Post Office,¹¹ concluded Dave Barrett.
