New Cashless Payment System Launched

A new cashless payment system for school dinners and other transactions has been launched in Powys. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Powys County Council officially launched the new system today (Friday 8 April). First to roll-out the cashless system is Crickhowell High School and it is anticipated it will be rolled out to all schools in the county over the next two years. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Under the new system, payments for a range of school-based transactions can be pre-loaded and ‘topped-up’ on an online account. While those without internet access will be able to use local Pay-Point outlets such as newsagents, garages convenience stores and other local retail outlets. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Cllr Phil Pritchard, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business Services, said: “We are delighted to be launching this new service which is a positive step forward. There are many benefits of a cashless system, including reducing the risks and costs of cash handling and transactions as well making the payment process consistent and easier for all involved. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Similar systems are already being used successfully in many authorities and we are pleased to be able to introduce this facility locally.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Feedback has been very positive from parents, pupils and schools staff. Through the new system, parents/carers will also have the ability if required to see what their children are eating in school. The system will also inform catering staff of specific dietary requirements in relation to allergies. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Cllr Pritchard added: “We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the work to date and look forward to progressing the project.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​