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13/12/2021
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. While the vast majority are using their cards, there are some who still need to activate and spend theirs. Now is the time to spend it local.
"I am delighted that the High Street Scheme is working and our retail, hospitality and services sectors are witnessing an increase in customer numbers through their doors. The scheme is boosting our economy by an extra £2m on average every single day – that is over £121m so far. The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium has credited the scheme with boosting the number of shoppers on our high streets to their highest levels since before the pandemic.
"While this is a clear success, it is important to me and to our businesses that every penny on every card is spent in order to maximise the impact. This is the best way to ensure we support those businesses which were hit hardest by the pandemic. I urge everyone who has not used their card to the limit to check their balance and spend it all."
Earlier this week, the Minister extended the deadline for applicants to use their Spend Local card by five days to midnight on 19 December. This was to allow more time for those people who received their card later to spend it.
The Minister added: "We have received many positive stories and testimonies on the importance and the success of the High Street Scheme from individual businesses across all parts of Northern Ireland."
The Minister concluded: "The clock is ticking until the scheme closes but there is still time to support your local businesses. So, spend it now, spend it all and spend it local."
The Minister also reminded cardholders that as well as spending local, they can also support businesses through shopping safely by wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and using contactless payment where possible.
Cardholders can check their balance, view transaction history, terms and conditions or find answers to frequently asked questions relating to the cards by visiting the DfE Spend Local page.
When an applicant receives their card, they must activate it 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 said: "Time is running out. There are just days left before the scheme closes on 19 December. While the vast majority are using their cards, there are some who still need to activate and spend theirs. Now is the time to spend it local.
"I am delighted that the High Street Scheme is working and our retail, hospitality and services sectors are witnessing an increase in customer numbers through their doors. The scheme is boosting our economy by an extra £2m on average every single day – that is over £121m so far. The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium has credited the scheme with boosting the number of shoppers on our high streets to their highest levels since before the pandemic.
"While this is a clear success, it is important to me and to our businesses that every penny on every card is spent in order to maximise the impact. This is the best way to ensure we support those businesses which were hit hardest by the pandemic. I urge everyone who has not used their card to the limit to check their balance and spend it all."
Earlier this week, the Minister extended the deadline for applicants to use their Spend Local card by five days to midnight on 19 December. This was to allow more time for those people who received their card later to spend it.
The Minister added: "We have received many positive stories and testimonies on the importance and the success of the High Street Scheme from individual businesses across all parts of Northern Ireland."
The Minister concluded: "The clock is ticking until the scheme closes but there is still time to support your local businesses. So, spend it now, spend it all and spend it local."
The Minister also reminded cardholders that as well as spending local, they can also support businesses through shopping safely by wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and using contactless payment where possible.
Cardholders can check their balance, view transaction history, terms and conditions or find answers to frequently asked questions relating to the cards by visiting the DfE Spend Local page.
When an applicant receives their card, they must activate it 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.
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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.
09 December 2021
High Street Scheme Extended For A Further Five Days
The High Street Scheme is to be extended for a further five days until Sunday 19 December, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. Calling on anyone with any balance left on their £100 Spend Local cards to use it now, Minister Lyons said: "The High Street Scheme is working well.
High Street Scheme Extended For A Further Five Days
The High Street Scheme is to be extended for a further five days until Sunday 19 December, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. Calling on anyone with any balance left on their £100 Spend Local cards to use it now, Minister Lyons said: "The High Street Scheme is working well.
30 November 2021
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
19 November 2021
Business Urged People To Make Sure They Use Their Spend Local Cards
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted that businesses across Northern Ireland are calling on High Street Scheme cardholders to continue to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local".
Business Urged People To Make Sure They Use Their Spend Local Cards
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted that businesses across Northern Ireland are calling on High Street Scheme cardholders to continue to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local".
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.
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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.
