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30/04/2021
Further Details Announced Of High Street Voucher Scheme
Every person in Northern Ireland aged 18 and over will be eligible to apply for a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend in their local high street.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the High Street Stimulus (HSS) scheme is designed to stimulate local businesses, including retail and hospitality sector outlets, following the pandemic. 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. The Minister also revealed that, if conditions are right, the HSS scheme will open at the end of the summer.
She said: "Today is a day for looking forward. The re-opening of retail outlets alongside outdoor hospitality, self-contained tourism accommodation, swimming pools and gyms under the latest Coronavirus guidelines is another significant milestone as we move out of lockdown.
"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. 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 1.4 million 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.
"We have commissioned research into when the HSS would be most beneficial to our economic recovery. We expect there will be pent up demand following the easing of restrictions. Therefore we believe that the end of the summer is the appropriate time to deliver this spending boost."
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.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the High Street Stimulus (HSS) scheme is designed to stimulate local businesses, including retail and hospitality sector outlets, following the pandemic. 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. The Minister also revealed that, if conditions are right, the HSS scheme will open at the end of the summer.
She said: "Today is a day for looking forward. The re-opening of retail outlets alongside outdoor hospitality, self-contained tourism accommodation, swimming pools and gyms under the latest Coronavirus guidelines is another significant milestone as we move out of lockdown.
"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. 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 1.4 million 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.
"We have commissioned research into when the HSS would be most beneficial to our economic recovery. We expect there will be pent up demand following the easing of restrictions. Therefore we believe that the end of the summer is the appropriate time to deliver this spending boost."
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.
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03 November 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.
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.
09 March 2023
Dept Of Economy Failed To Comply With Equality Scheme
The Department for the Economy failed to comply with specific Equality Scheme commitments in relation to the equality screening of the High Street Voucher scheme, according to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Dept Of Economy Failed To Comply With Equality Scheme
The Department for the Economy failed to comply with specific Equality Scheme commitments in relation to the equality screening of the High Street Voucher scheme, according to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
07 May 2021
Call For More Details On High Street Voucher Scheme
Sinn Féin is calling for more details about the Department for Economy's High Street Voucher Scheme. The party's MLA Caoimhe Archibald said she is concerned at the "lack of detail".
Call For More Details On High Street Voucher Scheme
Sinn Féin is calling for more details about the Department for Economy's High Street Voucher Scheme. The party's MLA Caoimhe Archibald said she is concerned at the "lack of detail".
21 March 2022
Dept Makes Contact With People Eligible For HSH Remedy Payments
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.
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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.
13 December 2021
Last Week To Use Spend Local Cards
With the High Street Scheme set to close at midnight on 19th December, the Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has urged anyone with funds remaining on their card to "use it now". The Minister said: "Time is running out. There are just days left before the scheme closes on 19 December.
Last Week To Use Spend Local Cards
With the High Street Scheme set to close at midnight on 19th December, the Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has urged anyone with funds remaining on their card to "use it now". The Minister said: "Time is running out. There are just days left before the scheme closes on 19 December.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
