ILFORD North MP Linda Perham has expressed concern over the ability of housebound, dis-abled and older people to claim pensions and benefits.

The MP backed a House of Commons motion after worry mounted over the Government's new direct payment options.

The Government has accepted the need for an exceptions service to allow old-style collections at post offices still to be made, without the use of a PIN code.

The motion calls for an indication on how the system would operate and an assurance that it would be in place from the start of the direct payments new year.

Mrs Perham said: "Uncertainty about how benefits will be collected has led to distress among the vulnerable members of society.

"I call on the Government to make sure that the exceptions service allows for multiple third party collectors of benefits, and is fully accessible at post offices. This is also vital for the continued viability of the post office network."