Assembly Written Question 17616/17-22

To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the High Street Voucher Scheme and Holiday at Home Scheme, including any plans on how the schemes will be administered.

Answer: The High Street Stimulus and the Holiday at Home Schemes are key components of the Department’s Economic Recovery Action Plan to boost demand in our struggling towns, city centres and tourism sector.

The schemes will be launched at a time when it is safe and appropriate to stimulate demand and encourage the public to shop on the high street and use local tourism providers.

The High Street Stimulus Scheme will provide eligible members of the public with a pre-paid card which can be used at ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses including local retail and hospitality sector outlets.

The Holiday at Home Voucher Scheme will allow NI households to claim back 50% off a stay of two nights or more in NI certified accommodation, up to the value of £100. Vouchers will also be issued, offering 50% off visits to attractions or tourism experience providers, up to the value of £20. Vouchers will be allocated on a first come first served basis and each household can apply for one of each type of voucher. Households can then claim their voucher money back by uploading their receipt and voucher details online.

Media campaigns for both schemes will be launched in due course to encourage members of the public to register for pre-paid cards and vouchers online.