An MHK has questioned the government’s commitment to an inclusive and caring society as the row over sub-post office closures rumbles on.

The accusation came from Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) who expressed concerns in the House of Keys at the impact the possible closure, or at least a reduction in services, in Ballasalla would have on those who use MiCards for collection of benefits.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said social security was waiting ’full clarity’ on the future of Ballasalla sub-post office before writing to MiCard users who would be affected.

Referring to next week’s 2020 Budget, Mr Moorhouse asked: ’It is worth considering sentence eight of your first Budget, "This government has called for an inclusive and caring society".

’As 165 MiCard holders in Ballasalla are asked to move on, I would like to ask: what has changed?’

Mr Cannan retorted that the Treasury had taken a ’huge number’ of measures to fulfil the commitment to an inclusive and caring society.

But things became heated when, as he listed some of the Treasury steps taken, Speaker Juan Waterson intervened to stop him.

Mr Cannan protested but the Speaker insisted the question was specifically about the MiCard users.

’I do not think we need a reprise of the last three years’ worth of Budgets,’ he said.

The Minister remained unimpressed.

’I was asked what has changed,’ said Mr Cannan. ’I was not asked about 165 MiCard users. I cannot possibly answer a question about 165 specific individuals on the Isle of Man, but I would suggest that a huge amount has changed.

’This government has worked incredibly hard to build a strong and inclusive society.’

He added that the Treasury had dealt with the removal of benefits access for MiCard users with the closures of other sub-post offices.

’In all those instances we have successfully dealt with any issues and ensured that people have become aware of the options that are available to them - and there are a number of options available to MiCard users - to ensure that they are able, if they so wish, to continue to visit post offices and collect their pensions and other benefits via the MiCard system.’

The threat of closure of Ballasalla sub-post office became known before Christmas. Following a consultation, the Post Office board has decided to seek expressions of interest in a ’service partner’ at Ballasalla, but that would not include the payment of benefits.

In reply to a separate question, Post Office chairman Julie Edge said the board only carried out an evaluation of the viability of a sub-post office in a specific location when a sub-postmaster gave notice of their intention to retire or terminate their contract.

’Isle of Man Post Office is not closing any post office counters unless a sub-postmaster decides to retire or resign their contract,’ she said. ’It is a contractual business and they have a contract with Isle of Man Post Office.’

She refused to discuss ’individual contracts’ with the different sub-postmasters.