The government says it’s to trial new smart cards for the collection of benefits and pensions to replace cheques and vouchers.
A trial scheme in Anagh Coar and Foxdale will see people using cards and PIN numbers to pick up their payments from post offices.
Treasury member Bill Henderson MHK says it’s not payment direct into bank accounts, or pre-paid cards suggested in the UK recently – but it could save the government up to £100,000 a year.
He explained how it’ll work:
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