MiCard users who can't use bank accounts to receive new cards

Proposals receive unanimous support in Tynwald

MiCard users who can't use a bank account will be issued with new MiCards in January.

Proposals from the chief minister, amended by Rob Mercer MLC, were unanimously supported in Tynwald this morning.

Alfred Cannan put forward an amendment to a motion originally tabled by Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher, who wanted to see Treasury continue support for MiCards for six months, until an alternative was put in place.

Plans to withdraw MiCards at the end of next month had led to concern that those who don't have access to banking would be left unable to access their pensions or benefits.

During the debate on Ms Faragher's motion yesterday, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said further details would be brought to Tynwald in December, but Mr Cannan asked for the debate to be adjourned overnight to give the Council of Ministers more time to finalise plans.

Earlier this week, Minister Allinson said continuing the system would cost £60,000, and wouldn't be as easy as it seemed.

The chief minister's amendment said that those unable to open a regular or basic account will be issued with a new card from 1 January onwards; Mr Mercer put forward a further amendment to include those who can't use a bank account.

Mr Cannan's amendment also commits Treasury to develop longer term methods of payment of benefits and pensions to those without access to bank accounts within six months.