Islanders receive £100 Spend Local payment

Islanders who receive Income Support or Pension Plus will get a £100 additional financial payment this week. More than 12,500 Islanders will receive a ‘Spend Local’ payment, directly into their bank account, to help stimulate the local economy. 

People who are eligible for the payment have been sent a letter today to explain the process. The payment will automatically be made directly into Islanders’ bank accounts on Friday 24 July. 

The Spend Local initiative is designed to support local businesses.  People are encouraged to use the payment in a local restaurant, cafe or shop; or use it for services including hair and beauty salons, or home and garden maintenance.  

This payment is being paid in addition to the £100 that will be paid to every adult and child in September, via a voucher or pre-paid card. This means that Islanders in low-income households will receive £200 in total. 

The Spend Local payment is part of the £150 million Fiscal Stimulus package which was announced on 10 July. 

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Judy Martin, said: “We know that COVID-19 has not just affected Jersey’s economy, it’s affected the day-to-day lives of Islanders. 

“The ‘Spend Local’ payment helps Islanders on lower incomes to support our local economy by giving them an extra opportunity to support their favourite local businesses.” 

Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, said: “The Spend Local payment adopts the targeted, timely, and temporary approach we announced in the Fiscal Stimulus package. This one-time payment is specifically for Islanders on lower incomes, and will provide additional support sooner, rather than later.”

More information about the Spend Local scheme is available online.