Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson has again outlined plans to ensure benefit payments continue for vulnerable residents ahead of the existing MiCard system’s expiry.
Answering Keys questions, Dr Allinson confirmed that Treasury will follow the Tynwald order that new cards be issued for people who can’t use a bank account.
He confirmed negotiations are ongoing with the Isle of Man Post Office to provide cash access via cheques or the new cards.
Concerns were raised about communication and accessibility, with Jason Moorhouse saying: “The minister has been very clear this morning that new my cards will be issued in January.
“Unfortunately, the same clear message isn’t being issued by the post office counter staff.”
Equality
Julie Edge challenged the equality of removing payment choice, citing one person who has a bank account but doesn’t want their benefits paid into it.
She asked: “Why is that individual’s choice of how they receive their payment being taken away?”
In response, Dr Allinson said people with bank accounts who decline to share details for benefit payments will be issued with cheques.
He also said providing the alternative service for 12 months from January is “expected to be less than the previous costs of over £500,000″.
Dr Allinson committed to circulating the script used by Social Security officers in phone calls to clarify that staff do not ask for bank details during initial contact.