Backbench MHKs have expressed their dismay at government’s handling of the planned MiCard withdrawal.
Tonight saw members debate Joney Faragher’s motion that the system should not be discontinued until six months after an appropriate alternative method of payment of benefits or pensions to users with no bank accounts has been approved by Tynwald.
After the debate which saw MHKs passionately argue that government was letting down the most vulnerable members of our society, the Chief Minister had to intervene to seek an adjournment until this morning.
The motion was brought forward amid concerns for the 725 benefit and pension claimants who have not yet provided alternative payment details ahead of the December 31 deactivation date.
Speechless
Rob Callister said: “I genuinely thought I had seen most things in the Tynwald Chamber over the past nine years, but the events surrounding the Mi Card withdrawal on 31st December this evening left me absolutely speechless.”
He described the motion as “a straightforward question asking Tynwald to agree that the Mi Card system should not be disconnected for six months”.
Tim Glover expressed his anger, posting: “Warm words only to protect some of our most vulnerable people – totally unacceptable!”
He criticised the Treasury’s reliance on letter-writing to vulnerable individuals, many of whom are housebound or lack the identification to open a bank account.
“Warm words and assurances people will not be left high and dry when MiCard is ‘switched off’ on 31st December will not wash when we don’t know what the alternative is!” Mr Glover added.
Unacceptable
John Wannenburgh called the situation “unbelievable” and “wholly unacceptable.”
During the debate, he said: “It is no-where near good enough that Treasury is, still at this late stage, negotiating back-up options; it is unacceptable and completely avoidable.”
He further challenged minister Dr Alex Allinson and said he has “inadvertently unleashed a level of chaos previously unseen, which was entirely preventable”.
Solution
Facing the prospect of a second key vote defeat in the sitting, Chief Minister Alf Cannan intervened to adjourn the debate, requesting time for the Council of Ministers and Treasury Minister to formulate a solution.
Scepticism remains high among members. Rob Callister noted, “You have to seriously question what the Treasury Minister can realistically come up with in less than 14 hours.”
Tim Glover echoed this, saying: “To say I have little faith a solution will be found in the next 14 to 15 hours, after nothing for over a year, is a massive understatement.”
Tynwald will reconvene tomorrow morning, where the Treasury Minister is expected to present a new proposal to the Court.