Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Bennett not ruling out extending benefit card

Updated at 6:51 pm on 18 August 2011

The Social Development Minister is refusing to rule out extending the payment card for young beneficiaries to all those on benefits, even though she says the proposal is not being actively considered.

Paula Bennett says she is being cautious because the Cabinet is still looking at all the recommendations made by the Welfare Working Group.

On Sunday, Prime Minister John Key announced that the National Party, if re-elected on 26 November, would introduce a payment card for 16- and-17-year-old beneficiaries and 18-year-olds with children.

Beneficiaries would have their rent and amenities paid directly and be given a food payment card that cannot be used to buy alcohol or tobacco.

However, it is unclear whether this might be extended to other beneficiaries.

Ms Bennett told reporters on Thursday that extending the card was not being actively considered by ministers.

But later in Parliament she said ministers were considering their response to the Welfare Working Group's report and announcements would be made in due course.

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