Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she plans to take to encourage the Post Office to allow people on universal credit to access credit union services; and if she will make a statement.

The Department for Work and Pensions has regular discussions with stakeholders across the financial sector, including the Post Office, to ensure universal credit claimants can access payments readily.

A direct payment into a bank, building society or credit union account is the Government’s preferred way to make payments. The Government is supportive of discussions between payment service providers, credit unions and the Post Office to explore the potential for credit union members to access some face-to-face services at the Post Office.