AQW 22679/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 17/09/2021
Answered On Date: 17/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to confirm whether the telephone service for the High Street Stimulus scheme application will be free of charge.

Answer:

The applications portal for a Spend Local Prepaid card opened 27 September until midnight 25 October. A telephone applications service was then launched on 11 October until midnight 25 October to support applications from people who were unable to access or use the online portal. I can confirm the telephone applications number 0800 046 8333 was free of charge from both landlines and mobiles.

I can also confirm the manned High Street Voucher Scheme Customer Support Services number 0800 046 8330, and the Automated Enquiries number 0800 046 8333, both launched after midnight on the 25 October to support customers who needed assistance or information on their applications, were also free of charge from both landlines and mobiles.