£9 Million Paid Out Through 'Spend Local' Cards

Thursday, 29 October 2020 11:08

97,000 islanders have used their £100 spend local cards at least once, and have until Saturday to spend the rest.

Islanders are being encouraged to spend the rest of their card balance before this weekend in order to avoid a last-minute rush.

102,700 cards have been activated so far, with £9 million going back into the local economy.

Money left on your Spend Local Card? The balance of your card will run out on Saturday, so best to get spending! Check your balance at any regular bank ATM or call 0800 735 0044 #SpendLocalJSY #KeepHoldOfTheCard pic.twitter.com/fHStqd88A7
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) October 28, 2020

Chief Minister John Le Fondre says islanders should continue to support local businesses once the scheme ends.

“I’d encourage Islanders to continue the spirit of the scheme, spending locally with their favourite businesses and playing their part to help support and stimulate our local economy."

Any money remaining on the cards will be returned to the Treasury if unspent after 11:59pm on Saturday 31st October.

Carl Walker from the Jersey Consumer Council says there are options if you still haven't spent your card yet.

"If you're undecided and you want to wait a bit longer, you can go to a store or business and buy a voucher - it's still spending it local, it's still keeping it in Jersey and helping that business but it's giving you that breathing space in terms of making that consumer choice."

He says a lot of companies have been offering more beyond the spend local card.

"A lot of local businesses have been going that extra mile to really entice consumers into their business to spend their money, so whether that's giving them a bit of extra money for that £100, whether it's donating some money to charity, whether it's giving them a bit of a refund back, there's a lot of different incentives, so it's a real win-win for the consumer."