Former minister brands scrapping of MiCards 'unforgivable'

Payment method is being withdrawn at the end of the year

A former MHK who was part of the decision to use MiCard payments on the Isle of Man says scrapping them is 'unforgivable'.

Chris Robertshaw was the Minister for Policy and Reform when the cards' introduction was approved by Tynwald in November 2014.

Treasury is stopping the use of the cards at the end of 2025, except for a small number of Manx residents who are unable to access a bank account.

But Mr Robertshaw had hoped the use of the cards would grow:

Treasury declined the opportunity to respond to Mr Robertshaw's comments, but did ask to highlight the declining number of MiCard users.

Speaking in October 2024 when the decision to end of the use of MiCards was announced, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said: "For many years a decreasing number of individuals receiving welfare payments have done so through the MiCard system with the majority now receiving payments directly into their bank account.

"The decreasing number of people using the service means that it has reached the stage where it is no longer viable and better alternatives are now available. We will be encouraging all pension and benefit claimants to switch to bank transfers or alternative methods and the MiCard service will cease at the end of next year.

"We will be working with the Isle of Man Post Office on this transition over the next 14 months. This change will result in a saving of over £500,000 per year."