The Economy Committee was briefed this morning on the High Street Voucher Scheme by Department Officials. Below is a summary of the Committee session outlining more information on the upcoming scheme.
The High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal from then until 11 October 2021.
The pre-paid cards can be used when activated by the card holder until 30 November 2021. All accounts must be concluded by the end of March 2022.
Department officials stated that while there remained “significant challenges and risks” in implementing the scheme, they are confident that these provisional dates can be agreed and put forward in regulations in September.
The verification process for using the card will operate in three stages, using the Electoral Register, the DVLA databases, and National Insurance numbers. A telephone support service will also be available for those who cannot access the online portal.
Department officials confirmed that there is no registration process for businesses to participate in the scheme. The only criteria is that the business must have a merchant code so that the pre-paid card can be used in a POS system.
Department officials stated that they are working with Chambers of Commerce and other sectors to try and introduce promotions for local communities. This includes, for example, to encourage midweek spending, as research suggests that the majority of spending from this Voucher will be undertaken on weekends.
The cards can be used for click-and-collect services, where an individual orders and pays over the phone for example, and gets it delivered to their home.
16-17 year olds will not have access to the High Street Voucher due to concerns regarding verification of their identity.
An individual’s name will be printed on the pre-paid card, but no ID is needed to validate a purchase. Individuals can grant permission to others to use their card even if it is not in their name.