UP TO 1000 northern suburbs residents will have their Centrelink income controlled by the government to stop them spending money on alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling.

People residents who volunteer or are referred by a social worker will have 50 per cent of their payments managed to ensure they are spent on essentials like housing, clothes and utilities, from July 1, the News Review Messenger reports.

People referred by state child protection authorities will have 70 per cent of their income support and family assistance payments managed.

The controls will be compulsory for Playford Council’s most vulnerable people, but it is unclear exactly who will be forced into the program.

People involved in the program will receive a “BasicsCard” which will be loaded with their money for use at approved shops to buy items including food, clothing, petrol and health and hygiene products.

They will also have access to financial and child support services, can arrange for Centrelink to pay their rent and bills from their managed account, and request one-off payments for items.

People who volunteer for income management will have to stay on the scheme for at least 13 weeks.

Playford is one of five locations across the country where the Federal Government is spending $117.5 million dollars over five years on income management and financial support services.

>>For the full story, and to leave a comment, visit the News Review Messenger website.

Originally published as Dole controls to fight booze, porn