27/09/2021
High Street Voucher Scheme Opens For Applications
The High Street Voucher Scheme, which is offering everyone in NI aged 18 and over a £100 pre-paid Spend Local card, is now open for applications.
Welcoming the news of the scheme's launch, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "This is a big day in the rollout of the High Street scheme. I am delighted to announce that the portal for applications for the Spend Local card has now opened."
The Minister once again reminded applicants that the portal will remain open until 25 October and that there will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. Applicants can register for their card at Apply for High Street scheme 'Spend Local' pre-paid card.
The Minister continued: "Around 1.4 million people are entitled to apply for their Spend Local card, so we expect the portal to be extremely busy in the first few days. That is why it is important to remember that the portal will be open for four weeks and that everyone will have enough time to apply for their card. So please be patient."
The Minister reminded applicants to have their key information to hand when they come to apply. For verification purposes, all applicants will be asked to provide their name; address; age; gender; disability status; National Insurance number; email address; and telephone number.
He said: "Please ensure that you have all your required information ready when you apply, including your National Insurance number and driving licence if you have one. There will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. The applications portal is robust and ready and it will be able to handle over 1.4 million applications over the course of the four-week period. But we expect early demand to be extremely high. Therefore, by being patient and ready with your information, you will be helping yourself and everybody else."
Minister Lyons also warned people to be wary of scams and emphasised that the Department will never ask anyone for their personal banking details.
He said: "Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals who will look for every opportunity to steal from others. It is important to state that the Department will never ask for anyone's personal bank details. Anyone who receives any contact which they think may be a scam should contact Action Fraud."
The High Street Scheme is part of the Department's Economic Recovery Action Plan. Its objective is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Welcoming the news of the scheme's launch, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "This is a big day in the rollout of the High Street scheme. I am delighted to announce that the portal for applications for the Spend Local card has now opened."
The Minister once again reminded applicants that the portal will remain open until 25 October and that there will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. Applicants can register for their card at Apply for High Street scheme 'Spend Local' pre-paid card.
The Minister continued: "Around 1.4 million people are entitled to apply for their Spend Local card, so we expect the portal to be extremely busy in the first few days. That is why it is important to remember that the portal will be open for four weeks and that everyone will have enough time to apply for their card. So please be patient."
The Minister reminded applicants to have their key information to hand when they come to apply. For verification purposes, all applicants will be asked to provide their name; address; age; gender; disability status; National Insurance number; email address; and telephone number.
He said: "Please ensure that you have all your required information ready when you apply, including your National Insurance number and driving licence if you have one. There will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. The applications portal is robust and ready and it will be able to handle over 1.4 million applications over the course of the four-week period. But we expect early demand to be extremely high. Therefore, by being patient and ready with your information, you will be helping yourself and everybody else."
Minister Lyons also warned people to be wary of scams and emphasised that the Department will never ask anyone for their personal banking details.
He said: "Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals who will look for every opportunity to steal from others. It is important to state that the Department will never ask for anyone's personal bank details. Anyone who receives any contact which they think may be a scam should contact Action Fraud."
The High Street Scheme is part of the Department's Economic Recovery Action Plan. Its objective is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2024
DoC To Implement Fire Safety Works For High Rise Buildings
The Department for Communities has taken responsibility for the implementation of significant new work to address fire safety in high rise and other residential buildings across Northern Ireland.
DoC To Implement Fire Safety Works For High Rise Buildings
The Department for Communities has taken responsibility for the implementation of significant new work to address fire safety in high rise and other residential buildings across Northern Ireland.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
01 March 2024
New 'Make it Local' Campaign Launched In Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities has launched a new 'Make It Local' public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.
New 'Make it Local' Campaign Launched In Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities has launched a new 'Make It Local' public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.
26 February 2024
Man Wanted On Murder Charge In Spain Arrested In Craigavon
A 22-year-old man wanted in Spain in connection with a murder investigation has been arrested in Craigavon. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit and Lurgan Local Policing Team worked with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to track the wanted person down to an address in the Craigavon area on Friday 23rd February.
Man Wanted On Murder Charge In Spain Arrested In Craigavon
A 22-year-old man wanted in Spain in connection with a murder investigation has been arrested in Craigavon. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit and Lurgan Local Policing Team worked with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to track the wanted person down to an address in the Craigavon area on Friday 23rd February.
13 February 2024
Lidl Plans Three New Stores In Bangor, Craigavon And Dungannon
Lidl Northern Ireland has launched plans for three new stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, as part of their plans to enhance and expand its growing store network across the region.
Lidl Plans Three New Stores In Bangor, Craigavon And Dungannon
Lidl Northern Ireland has launched plans for three new stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, as part of their plans to enhance and expand its growing store network across the region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.