The Chief Minister has announced the government will renew MiCards for people who are unable to access bank accounts.
It had been due to be withdrawn on December 31, with the government previously insisting it would not be extended the system.
However, with the government looking likely to lose a key vote on Joney Faragher’s motion, Chief Minister Alf Cannan has moved an amendment which will extend the life of the card.
His amendment ensures that those people who cannot open a bank account will receive a new MiCard that will allow them to continue to use them to receive their benefits in that way from January 1.
Treasury will also be required to report back to Tynwald within six months on how it will develop a longer term plan.
Members are continuing to debate the issue and we will have coverage on that later.
