20/09/2021

One Week Until Spend Local Card Scheme Opens For Applications

People have been urged to have all their key information together when they apply for their Spend Local card, while also being reminded that there will be "enough time for everyone to apply".

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has reminded applicants to the High Street Scheme that the applications portal will be open from 27 September to 25 October.

With around 1.4 million people expected to apply for their Spend Local card, the portal is expected to be extremely busy in the days after it opens next week.

Speaking one week before the portal opens, the Minister said: "We expect demand for applications for the Spend Local card to be extremely high when the portal opens next Monday as over one million people will be eager to receive and use their Spend Local card.

"That is why it is important to remember that the portal will be open for four weeks and that that everyone will have at least four weeks to spend their card. So please be patient. Help us to successfully manage this process by ensuring 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."

For verification purpose, all applicants will be asked to provide their name; address; age; gender; disability status; National Insurance number; email address; and telephone number.

The Minister added: "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."

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.

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