Voucher application a ‘frustrating’ experience

THE much-heralded £100 shopping voucher scheme continues to frustrate local people, many of whom are still experiencing problems making an successful application.

The deadline for applications passed on Monday and it’s estimated that at least 1.4 million people have availed of the scheme.

Cards are expected to arrive around ten days after an application but it seems that many are waiting even longer.

A question on the UH ‘WeAreTyrone’ Facebook page asked readers if they had been experiencing issues.

It generated over 200 comments from people who either said they are still waiting weeks for their card, or have been asked to upload further information to verify their identity.

The process of getting your hands on a voucher was said to be easy; simply apply via the internet or phone, prove you live in Northern Ireland and are over 18, and wallah! A debit card-like voucher will be in your pocket in no time.

But the reality hasn’t been so straightforward.

VERIFY IDENTITY

Around 100,000 people have been asked to verify their identity again.

However, the link wouldn’t let you upload the document/photo; and apparently helpful email addresses and phone numbers were jammed and unresponsive.

This has been an infuriating experience for the hopeful recipients of the vouchers, left wondering what happens next, or who to talk to about their frustrations.

Local Sinn Féin MLA, Maolíosa McHugh, says he has been ‘inundated’ with calls from people who are having difficulties applying for the voucher scheme.

“I wholly appreciate that there needs to checks and balances but the amount of additional information asked for would appear to be excessive,” he said.

“I have forwarded numerous individual cases to the designated Departmental Hotline on a daily basis but have, as of yet, to receive one single response to my representations on behalf of constituents on this issue.

“I have contacted the Economy Minister’s Private Office to highlight these flaws in the process and to ask him for his reassurance that those eligible are not left without a voucher.”

The vouchers were promised to be a ray of light for everyone, but with applications now closed and the spending deadline of November 30 fast approaching, many are left wondering if they’ll ever get their hands on this glorified piece of waxed cardboard.

The UH reached out to the Department of Economy for a statement, but upon going to print, we have not yet received a response.

Will we ever get our cards? Well… I can’t ‘vouch’ for it.

By Jack Baxter