East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen MBE has welcomed the announcement that the High Street Voucher Scheme is to be reopened on Christmas Eve for those who have had problems with their Spend Local cards.

Mr Allen said:

“I welcome the Economy Minister’s announcement of a further extension for those affected by the late arrival of their cards. I have repeatedly called over the past number of weeks for an extension to the spending deadline as the issues were evident from the vast number of people contacting me who hadn’t received their card or were experiencing problems trying to use theirs. 

“The announcement raises further questions however - how will the Minister address individuals who have cards that do not function? How will he provide access to the Spend Local cards to the thousands who have submitted identification within the original timeline, but have still not received their cards? Clarification for those affected is urgently required. 

“I emphasise that this scheme has had a very positive benefit for the local economy, but wonder why, with the amount of time the Minister had between the announcement and launch of the Spend Local Scheme, there were so many flaws and failings?”