Menu
27/10/2021
Over 1.43m Applications Made For Spend Local Card
More than 1.43 million applications have been made for the Spend Local card, with NI's retail, hospitality and service sectors set to benefit from a significant post-pandemic boost.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "We had expected demand for the Spend Local card to be high and that around 1.4m people would apply. I am delighted that we have received over 1.43m applications and have already issued over 667,000 Spend Local cards.
"Already over £13m has been poured back into our economy. When the scheme is completed, we will see a significant boost to our economy, especially the retail, hospitality and service sectors which have been so adversely impacted by the pandemic."
The Minister added: "We have also verified over 1.2m applications. This means that those who have yet to receive their card should do so in the near future. My department is now working very hard to ensure that we verify the remaining applications as soon as possible."
When an applicant receives their card, they will need to activate the card through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a pin, before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The Minister added: "As more and more people receive their cards, I would urge them to activate it as soon as they get it and then spend every last penny on it. Remember to spend it local."
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "We had expected demand for the Spend Local card to be high and that around 1.4m people would apply. I am delighted that we have received over 1.43m applications and have already issued over 667,000 Spend Local cards.
"Already over £13m has been poured back into our economy. When the scheme is completed, we will see a significant boost to our economy, especially the retail, hospitality and service sectors which have been so adversely impacted by the pandemic."
The Minister added: "We have also verified over 1.2m applications. This means that those who have yet to receive their card should do so in the near future. My department is now working very hard to ensure that we verify the remaining applications as soon as possible."
When an applicant receives their card, they will need to activate the card through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a pin, before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The Minister added: "As more and more people receive their cards, I would urge them to activate it as soon as they get it and then spend every last penny on it. Remember to spend it local."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
29 September 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 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.
14 September 2021
High Street Scheme To Open From 27 September
The £100 Spend Local pre-paid card High Street Scheme (HSS) will be open from 27 September until 25 October, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. During a visit to Belfast's Ormeau Road - which was recently announced as Retail NI's High Street of the Year - the Minister announced also announced a number of other key dates.
High Street Scheme To Open From 27 September
The £100 Spend Local pre-paid card High Street Scheme (HSS) will be open from 27 September until 25 October, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. During a visit to Belfast's Ormeau Road - which was recently announced as Retail NI's High Street of the Year - the Minister announced also announced a number of other key dates.
21 October 2021
People Urged To Support Local Businesses With Spend Local Card
Anyone who hasn't yet applied for their Spend Local card is being urged to do so now before the applications close on Monday 25 October. Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors need your support to help them bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.
People Urged To Support Local Businesses With Spend Local Card
Anyone who hasn't yet applied for their Spend Local card is being urged to do so now before the applications close on Monday 25 October. Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors need your support to help them bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
