A High Street Voucher Scheme will open in Northern Ireland at the end of the summer, if conditions are right, the Economy Minister has said.
Speaking as pubs, restaurants, retail, and indoor gyms re-open today, the Minister revealed further details on her High Street Stimulus (HSS) and Holiday at Home Voucher schemes.
Diane Dodds initially announced plans to give a pre-paid card to every adult in Northern Ireland last November, but the HSS scheme rollout was postponed following a sharp spike in cases in December.
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Meanwhile, as part of the scheme every person aged 18 and over will be eligible to apply for a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend in their local high street.
“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,” she said.
“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 £140 million 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.
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“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.”
Minister Dodds also revealed that a planned Holiday at Home voucher scheme will open in the autumn aimed to drive demand after the summer season.
It is designed to 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.
“My Economic Recovery Action Plan (ERAP) sets out the actions that will enable us to build a more competitive and inclusive economy as we move forward from today,” she said.
“The High Street Stimulus Scheme and the Holiday at Home Schemes are cornerstones of this plan.
“Today is a bright day as Northern Ireland takes another step towards normality, and it is vital that this momentum is maintained.
“Of course, every one of us can play our part by following the guidance to ensure a safe as well as an enjoyable experience.”