GOVERNMENT cuts have hit the government’s proof of age card scheme.
The Office of Fair Trading has announced it will no longer run it from the end of the year as it’s concentrating on the responsibilities it has to do under statute.
It’s hoping that it will be taken on by another public sector agency next year.
A press statment from the OFT says: ‘The value of the card scheme for consumers and businesses is not in doubt and the Office is pleased that a new scheme will be introduced in the near future.
Consumers and businesses will notice little difference between the current and the future scheme.
OFT chief officer Mike Ball said: ‘The only non-statutory service we will be offering is the debt counselling service which the board’s members believe is a vital service.’
OFT-issued cards will remain valid until the expiry date printed on the individual card (normally five years from the date of application) however replacements for lost, stolen or damaged cards will not be available from the OFT.
Anyone in this situation will have to make a completely new application to the new scheme.
Information on the new scheme will be released in due course.
Mr Ball said: ‘The Office is sorry not to be able to continue with the scheme but it is very pleased that a new scheme will be introduced next year. Consumers and businesses will notice little difference both between the process and the card itself so the transition between the two schemes should be a smooth one.’
The last deadline for new cards to be ready for Christmas or the New Year from the OFT is December 19.
Young people with driving licences should be able to use them and students have students’ union cards.
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