Harwich MP Ivan Henderson has criticised his own government over changes in the pension system which he fears will cause major problems for thousands of elderly people.

From April, pensioners will have to key in their own PIN number via an electronic keypad in order to get their money.

Mr Henderson has written to Secretary of State Andrew Smith to voice his concerns over the new system being introduced in post offices, which he believes is not user-friendly for the old and frail.

"I have grave concerns about the new technology and the difficulties it could cause," he said.

"I am pleased the Government has honoured its promise to allow pensioners to collect their pensions in cash from a post office but the way this is being achieved could be very confusing."

Mr Henderson said he was aware that the new terminals are already being installed in premises across his constituency, which contains the largest number of that age group in mainland UK.

He has also used the equipment, which was set up in the House of Commons, so it could be viewed and tried out by MPs.

"While many will be totally at ease with this new hi-tech equipment, there are also many who will not and it is the latter that I am worried about," added Mr Henderson.

"I have grave reservations as to the suitability of the proposed system and feel it is important to make that known to the Secretary of State at the earliest possible opportunity to give time for my views to be considered ahead of implementation next May."

He said the change did not take into account the visually impaired and those whose fingers were not as supple as they once were.

The Government is introducing the changes as part of its effort to pay pensions, benefits and some tax credits directly into customer's bank accounts.

Published Tuesday October 22, 2002

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