No equality assessment ahead of decision to scrap MiCard

But minister hopes changes will be positive for elderly, disabled and frail

No formal equality impact assessment took place ahead of government's decision to scrap MiCard payments, but it's hoped the decision will be a positive for those who are elderly, disabled or frail.

It was recently confirmed that Treasury will stop offering benefits and pensions payments through MiCard at the end of the year.

Responding to a Tynwald written question from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said no equality impact assessment was completed, but the duty to promote equality was undertaken and documented.

The minister believes the change will be positive, as he says it will mean those who are elderly, disabled or frail will no longer have to battle adverse weather conditions to go to a post office branch to collect their payments.

For those who need to open a bank account or sign up for online banking, Dr Allinson says bank branches on the high street can help individuals, while trusted friends and family may also be able to help.

Those who are genuinely unable to open a bank account, will be able to access emergency cash payments at a post office.

More than 45% of those who use MiCard are aged 66 or over, with state pensions making up the highest number of customers.

Since Treasury contacted the more than 3,000 MiCard users in November to announce the service would be ending, over 800 have already switched to bank or online account payments.

Treasury has also confirmed the move will result in a gross saving of £650,000 per year, although an increase in BACS transactions and costs relating to the exceptional payments service will reduce the overall cost saving to £500,000.