Laura Sharman 09 October 2014

Council cancels pre-paid benefit card trial

North Tyneside Council has cancelled a project to trial pre-paid benefit cards following ‘inaccurate’ accusations it was to target people with drug and alcohol problems.

The council said ‘negative and inaccurate’ coverage in the media had undermined the credibility of the scheme and meant only two people volunteered to take part.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Bruce Pickard said the council had already successfully used pre-paid cards for direct payment clients and hoped the pre-paid benefits card would have helped those who struggled financially.

Mr Pickard said: ‘For people on low budgets who have to manage their spending very carefully, and rely on cash transactions because many don't have a full bank account, it can be very difficult for them to pay direct debits and access better prices by using online shopping.

‘We wanted to give those people a financial life-line to better managing their finances so they could be more independent in the future and provide them with great choices.’

The council said it had no plans to restrict how the card could be used and would not have shared information with the DWP on individual spending. The council needed 250 volunteers to make the project viable.

The Government has said giving welfare claimants benefits on a pre-paid card would help curb spending on ‘destructive habits’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO1 - £39,855 - £42,324
We need a versatile and enthusiastic officer to improve services for victims of VAWG and modern slavery. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Facilitator level 1

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 5 - £31,524 to £32,931
We are seeking to fill a number of roles to help us deliver our new vision for Health and Adults Services (HAS) Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Personal Advisors

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director - Corporate Services

Teignbridge District Council
£93,688 - £100,549 per annum
Develop your career with a forward-thinking authority based in an attractive part of South Devon. Newton Abbot, Devon
Recuriter: Teignbridge District Council
Linkedin Banner