The Guardian has published an article, written by Ally Fogg, on the issue of benefit payment cards.
The think tank Demos has revived the idea, previously proposed in a parliamentary bill by Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke, which would mean benefits would be credited to a card which could be used to buy only specific goods, but no alcohol or cigarettes.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Ian Duncan Smith has distanced himself from the proposal, and the bill was not passed, meaning it is currently not likely to become policy.
The article explores why the idea keeps arising and details some of the issues that come with it.