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03/11/2021
Deadline For High Street Voucher Scheme Extended
The deadline to spend the £100 high street voucher scheme card has been extended until 14 December, NI's Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed.
The scheme saw all those aged over 18 in NI eligible for a £100 pre-paid card to spend to support local businesses which were affected by Covid.
The card was previously valid until 30 November.
Speaking to the Assembly Mr Lyons said: “It remains the case that most people have four weeks to spend their card, but I recognise that this will not be the case for everyone.
"Therefore, in order to offer these applicants a fair timescale to use their card, I can announce that I am extending the deadline to use the Spend Local cards by two weeks - from 30 November to 14 December.”
Around 160,000 people personal details could not be verified by databases.
Mr Lyons continued: "None of these applicants have been rejected and every one of them has been given an opportunity to submit evidence that they live in Northern Ireland and are over 18 years old.
"The Assembly can be assured that we are applying maximum flexibility on the information that can be provided to confirm they are eligible for a Spend Local card."
He said that it looked as if around 98% of the people whose details could not be verified would get their application approved.
The scheme saw all those aged over 18 in NI eligible for a £100 pre-paid card to spend to support local businesses which were affected by Covid.
The card was previously valid until 30 November.
Speaking to the Assembly Mr Lyons said: “It remains the case that most people have four weeks to spend their card, but I recognise that this will not be the case for everyone.
"Therefore, in order to offer these applicants a fair timescale to use their card, I can announce that I am extending the deadline to use the Spend Local cards by two weeks - from 30 November to 14 December.”
Around 160,000 people personal details could not be verified by databases.
Mr Lyons continued: "None of these applicants have been rejected and every one of them has been given an opportunity to submit evidence that they live in Northern Ireland and are over 18 years old.
"The Assembly can be assured that we are applying maximum flexibility on the information that can be provided to confirm they are eligible for a Spend Local card."
He said that it looked as if around 98% of the people whose details could not be verified would get their application approved.
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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.
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People Urged To Support Local Businesses With Spend Local Card
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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.
29 September 2021
Over 400,000 Spend Local Applications Complete On Day One
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
