£4.5 million spent using Spend Local cards

Islanders have four weeks left to use their Spend Local cards. The cards, which were issued as part of the £150 million Fiscal Stimulus Plan, have so far been used to generate £4.5 million for the local economy. 

As of the last few days, 86,000 cards have been activated and 58,000 Islanders have used their cards at least once. The cards can be used until 31 October, when any remaining balance will expire. Islanders should keep their cards in case they are topped up in the future.

Most Islanders have activated their card, which will expire at the end of October, when the balance will be returned to Government. 

Those who need support to activate their cards can seek help from family and friends, from their parish hall, and from voluntary organisations.  They can also contact Customer and Local Services on (01534) 444444 to make an in-person appointment to activate their card. 

The Spend Local cards provide a much-needed boost for any local business which can accept Mastercard-type payments. Islanders who are unable to leave their home to spend their card can use them over the phone, provided the business accepts telephone payments.

Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “Although it’s still early days, it’s encouraging to see that Islanders are heading out to support their favourite local businesses. We’re seeing more of a buzz in town, and businesses are seeing an uplift in sales.

“Looking at just the first three Saturdays, we saw a combined spend of over £1.3 million on these days, which will provide a much-needed boost to our local economy. 

“I’d encourage Islanders to make sure their cards are activated, to take the opportunity to spend locally over the next few weeks, and make sure they keep their cards safe in case we top them up in the future.”