High street voucher scheme sees high demand

THE high street voucher scheme has gotten off to a shaky launch as the website crashed for many people due to high demand.

Under the scheme every resident over the age of 18 in the North will be entitled to the £100 voucher which can only be spent in physical shops, bars and restaurants.

The Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, has urged people to be patient with the system, saying, “Not everyone has to rush at once”.

There have been complaints on social media from people unable to access the online portal or not receiving their verification email.

Adults should be able to apply for the spending card online via the NI Direct website up until October 25.

Mr Lyons told the BBC that the scheme has attracted “huge demand”.

He added that verification emails are being sent out “in a staged process just to make sure the website isn’t overwhelmed all at once”.

People have been urged to apply over the coming weeks to help avoid problems.

Orfhlaith Begley, West Tyrone MP, said, “I welcome that the scheme has now opened for the £100 High Street Voucher Scheme. 

“The success and longevity of our local towns and villages is dependent on supporting local retailers and businesses.”

Ms Begley has also urged the Economy Minister to open the scheme to 16 and 17 year-olds.

Cards are expected to arrive around 10 days after you apply and must be spent in physical shops by the end of November.

It is hoped the £145m scheme will help give local high streets a post-pandemic boost.