THE first 100,000 cards have been issued under the High Street Voucher Scheme aimed at boosting the north's economy following the Covid-19 lockdowns and ongoing restrictions.
The scheme is offering cards loaded with £100 credit to every adult in Northern Ireland and applications for the 'Spend Local' cards opened last week.
Economy minister Gordon Lyons said demand for the cards following the opening of the online application portal had been "unprecedented".
"I am delighted that the process to issue the pre-paid cards is now well under way and that the first applicants will soon be able to use their cards to support their local retail, hospitality and services businesses," the minister said last night.
"This will deliver the timely boost that they need to help them emerge from the economic shock caused by the pandemic."
Those who have yet to apply under the scheme can do so on the NI Direct website. Once received, the cards must be verified through a phone or text message system, while the first payment on it must be made using a PIN number before any contactless payments can be carried out.
"I would encourage those who have yet to apply for their Spend Local card to do so now on NI Direct," Minister Lyons said
"As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is ‘spend local'. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions."
