Every adult in Northern Ireland will be eligible for a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend in their local high street in a bid to boost the post-pandemic economy.
Northern Ireland’s economy minister Diane Dodds said the scheme would help stimulate local businesses, including retail and hospitality sector outlets.
The Minister revealed that eligible individuals aged 18 and over will be asked to apply for the pre-paid card through a dedicated online portal.
The card must be used in ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses within Northern Ireland and cannot be used online.
‘I am excited to see shoppers back in our high streets, customers once again enjoying outdoor hospitality and the return of holidaymakers to self-contained accommodation,’ said Ms Dodds.
‘I am optimistic because reopening of our economy is the most important first step towards economic recovery.
‘However, our High Street Stimulus scheme will provide a timely boost to this recovery. It will provide eligible applicants with a pre-paid card worth £100. This means up to 1.4m people will spend an extra £140m on our high streets rather than online. This has a multiplier effect which will help bring many more customers back through the doors of local retail, hospitality and other sectors.’
The minister also revealed details of the Holiday at Home Voucher Scheme which will allow Northern Ireland households to claim back 50% off a stay of two nights or more in certified accommodation, up to the value of £100. Vouchers will also be issued, offering 50% off visits to attractions or tourism experience providers, up to the value of £20.
Vouchers will be allocated on a first come first served basis and each household can apply for one of each type of voucher. Households can then claim their voucher money back by uploading their receipt and voucher details online.
The scheme will be launched in the autumn to drive demand after the summer season.
Photo Credit – Pixabay
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