Retail NI High Street Voucher Scheme Launch

The key dates and rollout of the High Street Voucher Scheme was launched.  The scheme was launched on the Ormeau Road today, with Department for the Economy NI Minster Gordon Lyons, MLA and Simon Hamilton in attendance.

The following key dates were confirmed

Key Dates 

September 27     Online portal for applications opens
October 4            First tranche of cards issued to successful applicants
October 11          Telephone support service opens
October 25          Last qualifying date for those turning 18 to register for the pre-paid card
October 25          Portal and telephone services close
November 30      Scheme closes, and pre-paid cards cease to be valid.

The £100 pre-paid card can be used at any ‘bricks-and-mortar’ retail outlet in Northern Ireland but cannot be used online.  

 The verification process for the card will operate in three stages, using the Electoral Register, the DVLA databases, and National Insurance numbers.

People must register online; a telephone support service will be available for those unable to access the online portal.

 For further details visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/high-street-scheme-spend-local-pre-paid-card.

 Retail NI will also be launching its own campaign to encourage consumers to spend their voucher with independent retailers.  We will shortly provide with you with promotional material to display in your business.