Economy Minister Gordon Lyons with Adrian Garvey, managing director of Synge and Byrne at The Junction Retail and Leisure park in Antrim.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has urged Spend Local card holders to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance.
Speaking on a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim, the Minister said:
“By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it. Hundreds of thousands of shoppers have already used theirs in all parts of Northern Ireland.
“Already we have injected around £90million in much needed-spend into our retail, hospitality and service sectors.
“And it is working. The Northern Retail Consortium has reported that footfall is on the up while PwC recently predicted that spending on the high street will increase this Christmas.”
During his visit, the Minister met with a number of independent traders and heard how they have been benefitting from the High Street Scheme.
The Minister went on to say it is important that every card holder spends every penny on their card because in order to maximise the benefit to those traders hit hardest during the pandemic.
Economy Gordon Lyons with David Millsopp, store manager of Golf Nation at the Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim.
He went on to say:
“Many of you may have spent most of your card, but maybe not all of it. If that is you, why not check your balance on the website?
“You may have a five, ten or even just a couple of pounds left. But if you have some money left, use it. When you are out and about this weekend, support your local coffee shop, newsagent, barbers, taxi driver or anyone who was hit hard during the pandemic. Every penny counts so spend it now, spend it all and spend it local.”
The Minister also reminded card holders 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:
Anyone who made an application for a Spend Local Prepaid Card and has not received any correspondence from the Department should contact the Department at SpendLocalNI@economy-ni.gov.uk and provide their name and National Insurance Number.
Please check your in-box (including your junk folder) before contacting the Department.
Emails requesting evidence of eligibility were issued on 21 November to applicants whose details have not yet been verified. Anyone who has received an email should use the link provided in the email to submit their evidence - this is the quickest way to get your application approved and receive your Spend Local card.
Anyone who is eligible and was unable to make an application should contact the Department at SpendLocalNI@economy-ni.gov.uk.
They should state the reason they were unable to apply and attach evidence of eligibility. Details of the evidence that has to be provided can be found at:
Evidence must be submitted to the Department by Saturday 27 November at 6.00pm. The Department is unable to accept any evidence provided after this date.
The High Street Scheme closes on December 14 when the Spend Local pre-paid cards will cease to be valid.