The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.
Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide these vital services for local communities.
Citizens Advice response to James Purnell’s announcement on Post Office card accounts |
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13-11-2008 Tony Herbert, Essential Services policy officer at Citizens Advice said: "Whilst we felt it was right that the POCA contract was put out to tender, we are relieved that it has been confirmed that Post Office Limited will operate the new card account after 2010. Had the contract gone to another provider the outcome would have been disastrous for the Post Office network, with many more post offices facing closure and people on low incomes, the elderly and those in rural or deprived areas among the worst affected. "Now attention must turn to the introduction of the new account. For the new account to be successfully implemented, there must be a seamless migration for the 4.3 million people currently using the POCA to collect benefits and pensions. For new applicants, the opening procedure should be simple and straightforward and the product features clearly explained, while adequate support must be made available for applicants when things go wrong.” Notes to editors:
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