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29/09/2021
Over 400,000 Spend Local Applications Complete On Day One
More than 400,000 applications for the Spend Local were completed on the first day of the scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, describing the response as "formidable".
The portal for applications to the High Street Scheme opened on Monday. Over 400,000 applications have already been completed and around 840,000 links to apply for the Spend Local card have been issued.
Minister Lyons said: "As expected, demand for the Spend Local card is extremely high and our response has been equal to it. In just two days, almost a third of the 1.4 million people eligible to apply have been able to complete their application. This is a formidable response and a great confidence boost for our local businesses that are at the heart of this scheme.
"We knew that demand in the first days of the scheme would be high but our systems performed well in coping with the huge volume of traffic. There is still ground to cover but the applications portal is open up to 25 October and there is plenty of time for all those eligible to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card.
"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. That is why I would urge everyone in receipt of a Spend Local card to think local when spending their cards and support those shops, hospitality and other services most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions."
The first Spend Local cards will be issued to eligible applicants in the week commencing 4 October.
The portal for applications to the High Street Scheme opened on Monday. Over 400,000 applications have already been completed and around 840,000 links to apply for the Spend Local card have been issued.
Minister Lyons said: "As expected, demand for the Spend Local card is extremely high and our response has been equal to it. In just two days, almost a third of the 1.4 million people eligible to apply have been able to complete their application. This is a formidable response and a great confidence boost for our local businesses that are at the heart of this scheme.
"We knew that demand in the first days of the scheme would be high but our systems performed well in coping with the huge volume of traffic. There is still ground to cover but the applications portal is open up to 25 October and there is plenty of time for all those eligible to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card.
"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. That is why I would urge everyone in receipt of a Spend Local card to think local when spending their cards and support those shops, hospitality and other services most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions."
The first Spend Local cards will be issued to eligible applicants in the week commencing 4 October.
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Emails have begun to be sent to all those potentially eligible for a remedy payment under the High Street Scheme, the Department for the Economy has announced.
29 November 2021
Spend Local Card Holders Urged To 'Spend Every Penny'
Spend Local card holders are being urged to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call during a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. He said: "By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it.
Spend Local Card Holders Urged To 'Spend Every Penny'
Spend Local card holders are being urged to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call during a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. He said: "By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it.
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.
11 October 2021
Telephone Applications Now Open For Spend Local Card Scheme
Applications for the Spend Local prepaid card can now be made by telephone from today, Monday 11 October. Those who do not have access to the internet or who are unable to apply online, can make their application for their card by calling 0800 046 8330. The service will operate from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday until 25 October 2021.
Telephone Applications Now Open For Spend Local Card Scheme
Applications for the Spend Local prepaid card can now be made by telephone from today, Monday 11 October. Those who do not have access to the internet or who are unable to apply online, can make their application for their card by calling 0800 046 8330. The service will operate from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday until 25 October 2021.
20 September 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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Staying dry with clear periods at first then cloudier skies edging in overnight with patchy mist and hill fog. Turning chilly where skies remain clear. A light southerly breeze. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
