Firstly, I have to say I am very disappointed with all the 'pensioner bashing' I have read. Are you all young, upper/middle class with huge savings and 'having it all'? Are none of you on low incomes and subsist on weekly giros? From personal experience, I too was there but everyone will get old one day, so just don't pre-judge with utter nonsensical diatribe until you have 'been there' yourself and can speak from an experienced perspective, OK.
My main reason for this thread is IF there is anyone currently receiving giros, who do not have any form of bank account - which DWPs historical letter cleverly 'encouraged' people to open a bank account or intimated they would not receive their benefits. Then this is for you: I cannot understand why there is not an outcry that benefits (the pensions type) will have to be collected from paypoint tills. Are you happy to stand in front of shop staff and assorted public, divulging highly sensitive data - eg, date of birth (each visit); that others standing directly behind you will know your received income, your address - you have to provide eg, a current utility bill; that there is no code of conduct as would occur in a post office. So the slip of a girl (or boy) you bow have to deal with can openly discuss everything they are learning about you with 'mates', criminals, et al, but you have no say in the matter. And how long before a pensioner gets mugged or followed home and burgled, beaten, robbed of the money they have just collected! What happened to confidentiality, non-discrimination, data protection, PRIVACY and respect your elders? The smug arrogants can put their answers on a postage stamp. It is the people who contributed national insurance and taxes for the whole of their working lives, looking forward to a PRIVATE and peaceful retirement, to reap some reward for their efforts I want to hear from. Are you happy with the proposed payment card (and ALL it entails) in lieu of giros? RSVP please?
My main reason for this thread is IF there is anyone currently receiving giros, who do not have any form of bank account - which DWPs historical letter cleverly 'encouraged' people to open a bank account or intimated they would not receive their benefits. Then this is for you: I cannot understand why there is not an outcry that benefits (the pensions type) will have to be collected from paypoint tills. Are you happy to stand in front of shop staff and assorted public, divulging highly sensitive data - eg, date of birth (each visit); that others standing directly behind you will know your received income, your address - you have to provide eg, a current utility bill; that there is no code of conduct as would occur in a post office. So the slip of a girl (or boy) you bow have to deal with can openly discuss everything they are learning about you with 'mates', criminals, et al, but you have no say in the matter. And how long before a pensioner gets mugged or followed home and burgled, beaten, robbed of the money they have just collected! What happened to confidentiality, non-discrimination, data protection, PRIVACY and respect your elders? The smug arrogants can put their answers on a postage stamp. It is the people who contributed national insurance and taxes for the whole of their working lives, looking forward to a PRIVATE and peaceful retirement, to reap some reward for their efforts I want to hear from. Are you happy with the proposed payment card (and ALL it entails) in lieu of giros? RSVP please?
