Should We Have A Benefits Cash Card?
It has been proposed by a thinktank, that those on benefit should get a cash card, that they can only spend on approved purchases, that would not include alcohol, cigarettes, Sky television, gambling and other things that the great and good felt were not necessary.
It’s one of these issues like capital punishment, that if went to a referendum, the general public would vote for.
I wouldn’t, as it is just against my beliefs.
We need to cut down the drinking of alcohol and the smoking of tobacco, but this doesn’t just apply to those on benefit.
But the biggest fault in the proposal is the practicalities.
I am a coeliac and if someone like me was on a benefits cash card, would they be restricted from buying good quality food. After all the gluten-free food you get on prescription is generally crap.
And let’s say you are careful and always shop in the local market, where good food is often cheaper. Is every market stall going to have the expense of accepting the cards, when cash is the best method of payment. So will the cards be able to withdraw cash.
I’ve had times in my life, when I wasn’t very well off and I always resort to cash, as I then know how much I’ve got left.
The Anonymous Widower 
In OZ . . . the Govt introduced these cards to Aboriginal Communities, and there is a restriction where the cards can be used . . . at big Supermarkets . . . certainly not at small speciality food shops . . . are you going to let the Govt limit your choices of Food?
Comment by Steam Lover | January 30, 2013 |
I don’t think they’ll happen here. In this area, quite a few people still shop in the numerous markets. I can just see all the traders getting really enthusiastic about having to take cards.
Comment by AnonW | January 30, 2013 |