From the 9 September onwards every eligible adult and child in Jersey will receive a £100 Spend Local card which they can spend in their favourite shops; in cafes and businesses; and on services and experiences. The pre-paid Mastercards will be sent to Islanders’ home addresses.
The scheme was announced in July as part of the £150m Fiscal Stimulus package, which aims to support the local economy after the outbreak of COVID-19.
Once Islanders receive the £100 Spend Local cards in the post, they will need to activate their card over the phone or online following the easy instructions in the accompanying letter. Once the card is activated, it needs to be used before 11:59pm on 31 October, when the balance will expire. After this date, Islanders should retain their cards in case there is an additional top-up type payment in the future.
The Spend Local card has been designed to give individuals flexibility on how they spend their money. This means that the card can be used in almost any local business, including:
- In shops, boutiques and retail outlets
- In restaurants and cafes
- In hotels and guest houses
- For services: for example, car valeting, personal training, gardening, hairdressing or beauty treatments
- To pay for sporting activities and experiences
The cards can be used as part-payment towards a larger purchase or used multiple times to pay for several smaller purchases until the balance runs out or until the deadline, whichever is sooner.
Almost all Island businesses can accept the Spend Local cards as payment, and they can take simple steps to ensure they make the most of the scheme. This includes ensuring their business is ready for Mastercard payments and considering how they can promote themselves to potential customers.
Spend Local cards cannot be given away, however Islanders can support someone who has trouble using the card with purchases, and parents will be able to support their child with their purchases. Islanders who wish to support local charities can do so by purchasing items or services that charities either need or could use
Islanders who cannot leave their homes to use their cards, can spend the card with any local businesses that can accept Mastercard payments over the phone.
Once spent, Islanders should keep hold of their card. At some point in the future, the balance on the cards may be topped up. While this is still under discussion, Islanders should keep their cards safe in case the scheme is extended in the future.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said “This scheme will give the public a positive way to thank locally based establishments that have worked hard to adapt to the impact of Covid-19 and support their customers in a safe way.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused businesses across all sectors to suffer. And while the Government has provided support through a range of measures, we know that the best way to support businesses is to increase custom.
We hope that businesses and Islanders will get into the spirit of this scheme.”
Government of Jersey News Release.