Dickson Calls for more Detail on the High Street Stimulus Scheme, and the Holiday at Home Scheme

On 20 April, East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, asked 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.

The two schemes have been hailed as key components of the Department for the Economy’s Economic Recovery Action Plan.

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.

The response to Mr Dickson’s written question, was that the schemes will be launched at a time when it is safe to stimulate demand, and appropriate to encourage the public to shop on the high street and use local tourism providers.

Commenting on this response, Mr Dickson said: “It is of course vital not to launch these schemes until the appropriate time to ensure the safety of the public. However, questions remain on how these schemes will be delivered. Especially as the Minister’s track record in the past year on similar recovery schemes has not seen a smooth or efficient roll-out.

“I would welcome more detail from the Department, and an assurance that participation in the schemes for shoppers, tourists, and businesses, will be as simple as possible, with no unnecessary or laborious red-tape barriers.

“These vouchers will be allocated on a first come first served basis and each household can apply for one of each type of voucher. I encourage people to be proactive in respect of application and claim their voucher money back by uploading their receipt and voucher details online.”