Benefit payment system a success

 

THIS week an Independent research study revealed that ninety per cent of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account.

The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.

Key findings from the customer research show that:- 

91% are satisfied with Direct Payment arrangements 

88% of pensioners are satisfied with Direct Payment arrangements 

93% are satisfied with having payments into an account 

82% said opening an account was easy 

Only 2% had problems remembering or using their PIN

Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond said:- "This research shows that the new system is proving popular. 

Customers are finding new accounts easy to open, are happy with the information they get and can use PIN numbers easily."

The research is backed up by separate cases of personal support Direct Payment has received from delighted customers across the country.

Pensioner Joan Myers and her husband, of Hindley, Wigan, both get their money paid through Direct Payment. Mrs Myers said she appreciated the flexibility of the system:- "We've just been on holiday to Eastbourne and my husband was able to get his pension money out of the local Post Office there, it couldn't have been simpler.

With Direct Payment you don't have to worry about the security of your money."

Call 0800 107 2000 to change to Direct Payment or to get more information. Use textphone 0800 107 4000 if you have hearing or speech difficulties.

Goldie Looking Chain & Special Guests

THE Carling Academy in Liverpool will have Goldie Looking Chain and Special Guests performing on the 12 October 2004. Tickets will sell out fast and they are only £10.00 in advance. Box Office:- 0870 771 2000 (24hr) / Customer Info:- 0905 020 3999

A scheme to help students settle in to life on campus has been launched by Edge Hill College of Higher Education involved with recruiting volunteers to befriend students who may be need extra support in order to take full advantage of the social and leisure opportunities on offer at the college.

The Connect project funded by Aimhigher was integrated into this year's semester as a means of including more students into life on campus.

Mark Lovelady, Project Coordinator, said:- "CONNECT provides the opportunity for students and staff to get together to make a real difference to the lives of those who may be feeling excluded from life on campus. Disabled students as well as those who find it difficult to socialise for a variety of reasons, can get together and hopefully find shared interests to develop wider social networks."

Staff and students have volunteered to attend a variety of social events including football, rugby matches, concerts and shopping trips. 

The Student Union, Community Action and Student Services including the Volunteers Project have been working together to support CONNECT. There has been a great deal of interest in the project already after a successful launch. 

Congratulations Fox & Goose…

THE Second Division Fox and Goose (Southport) Pool Team (B) have beaten off 8 other local pub teams by winning a staggering 12 matches out of 14. This has placed them in next seasons 1st division. Players in the team were Gaz Johnson, Athonny Dodd, Rodger Threlafall, Will Murphy, Chris Doragh, John Goodwin, Steve Latham, Greame Store and team captin Paul Southwood. 

Pall speaking for his team said:- "We love playing, but winning is even better. We are ready to take on the first devision and we will prevail yet again. Our team is looking forward to being the A team next year. We have 8 good team players and our results this year show we can play." 

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