Menu
04/10/2021
First 100,000 Spend Local Cards Issued Today
The first 100,000 Spend Local cards are being issued today, Monday 04 October 4, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, has announced.
"Today's marks the next significant step in the rollout of the High Street Scheme as the first 100,000 applicants are set to receive their Spend Local card," the Minister said.
"I am delighted that the process to issue the pre-paid cards is now well under way and that the first applicants will soon be able to use their cards to support their local retail, hospitality and services businesses. This will deliver the timely boost that they need to help them emerge from the economic shock caused by the pandemic.
"Since the opening of the portal last week, demand for the Spend Local card has been unprecedented.
"I would encourage those who have yet to apply for their Spend Local card to do so now on NI Direct."
When an applicant receives their card, they will need to verify the card through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a personal identification number (PIN), before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The objective of the High Street Scheme is to support local businesses across Northern Ireland adversely affected by the drop in footfall due to the pandemic.
The Minister concluded: "As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is 'spend local'. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions."
"Today's marks the next significant step in the rollout of the High Street Scheme as the first 100,000 applicants are set to receive their Spend Local card," the Minister said.
"I am delighted that the process to issue the pre-paid cards is now well under way and that the first applicants will soon be able to use their cards to support their local retail, hospitality and services businesses. This will deliver the timely boost that they need to help them emerge from the economic shock caused by the pandemic.
"Since the opening of the portal last week, demand for the Spend Local card has been unprecedented.
"I would encourage those who have yet to apply for their Spend Local card to do so now on NI Direct."
When an applicant receives their card, they will need to verify the card through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a personal identification number (PIN), before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The objective of the High Street Scheme is to support local businesses across Northern Ireland adversely affected by the drop in footfall due to the pandemic.
The Minister concluded: "As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is 'spend local'. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2021
High Street Scheme Extended For A Further Five Days
The High Street Scheme is to be extended for a further five days until Sunday 19 December, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. Calling on anyone with any balance left on their £100 Spend Local cards to use it now, Minister Lyons said: "The High Street Scheme is working well.
High Street Scheme Extended For A Further Five Days
The High Street Scheme is to be extended for a further five days until Sunday 19 December, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. Calling on anyone with any balance left on their £100 Spend Local cards to use it now, Minister Lyons said: "The High Street Scheme is working well.
12 March 2024
Health Minister Announces New Bereavement Support Website
A new bereavement support website, designed to provide a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement, has been launched by Health Minister, Robin Swann. 'Bereaved NI' can be accessed at Bereaved | Bereaved (hscni.
Health Minister Announces New Bereavement Support Website
A new bereavement support website, designed to provide a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement, has been launched by Health Minister, Robin Swann. 'Bereaved NI' can be accessed at Bereaved | Bereaved (hscni.
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.
15 November 2021
Spend Local Cardholders Urged To 'Spend It Now, Spend It All'
Spend Local cardholders are being urged to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local". Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call with one month to go before the High Street Scheme closes. Minister Lyons said: "To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use.
Spend Local Cardholders Urged To 'Spend It Now, Spend It All'
Spend Local cardholders are being urged to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local". Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call with one month to go before the High Street Scheme closes. Minister Lyons said: "To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use.
30 November 2021
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
