Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this scheme for?

The scheme is a one-year pilot for all 13 – 16 year olds who are in receipt of free school meals or looked after by the council. Some 17 year olds will also qualify if they are looked after or in receipt of free school meals but they will also need to be in full-time education.
Back to top

When does the scheme start?

Although publicising the project now, young people will not be able to spend their subsidy until the beginning of April 2008. The pilot will last for a year.
Back to top

How does a young person join the scheme?

We will use data that Cambridgeshire County Council holds to register young people for this scheme; this will make it easier as there will be no forms to complete. Cards and PINs will be distributed in school at the beginning of March 2008. No one has to take up the card if they don’t want to and all information is held in accordance with the relevant Data Protection legislation.
Back to top

How much money will be added to the card each month?

It is likely to be around £40 per month; if it is not spent it can carry over to pay for bigger activities but any unspent subsidy will return to the council at the end of the pilot.
Back to top

How does the card work?

The card can be used to make payments in the same way as other bank cards but has some restrictions. A unique number identifies each business type; this is called a Merchant Category Code. We only enrol merchants who are positive activity providers, if a young person goes to an unapproved provider or a shop, their payment will be declined.
Back to top

Where will the card be used?

The card can be used to pay for cinemas, bowling, leisure centres and other activity providers that want to be part of the scheme. A full list of providers will be issued with the card and at www.purplepigeon.net/g2gcard.
Back to top

Can young people get into debt with this card?

No. You can only spend what is on the card. If the funds are not in the cardholders account, the transaction is declined.
Back to top

I am an activity provider, how can I become part of the scheme?

Provided you are an acceptor of Maestro™ payments and use one of the Merchant Category Codes that the card recognises, you will be part of the scheme. To confirm this and ensure that you are listed in our information packs and activity database, please go to the Activity Providers section of this website and complete the form.

If you do not take card payments but would accept a Cambridgeshire County Council cheque from a young person to pay for the activity, please also complete the online form indicating this to us.
Back to top

I have never heard of R. Raphael & Sons plc (Raphaels Bank), what type of bank are they?

Raphaels Bank is a Private Bank rather than a high street bank so you may not have heard of them. They were established in 1787 as a merchant finance bank and are part of a large group of companies that runs many financial services including International Currency Exchange with over 280 branches worldwide and they have a wealth of experience running similar prepaid debit card schemes. They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Back to top

Why is Cambridgeshire County Council running this scheme?

Cambridgeshire County Council is committed to getting all young people into positive activities. Our research shows that positive activities can increase school achievement and reduce offending, drug use and unhealthy lifestyles.

However we also know that for some young people finance is a big barrier, our g2g card is one way of ensuring that all young people can access leisure-time and the achievements that go with them.
Back to top

How can I find out more?

You can contact your local Connexions office for more information or talk to the Connexions or Youth Worker at your local school. You can also find out more information on this website and young people can go to www.purplepigeon.net/g2gcard for more information.
Back to top

Cambridgeshire County Council