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Northern Ireland Finance Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £300 million support package, including over £200 million for businesses and a new High Street Voucher Scheme to encourage consumers to return to high street stores.

The funding package comes as tougher restrictions were implemented across Northern Ireland on 27 November until 10 December in a bid to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and to ease pressure off the country’s health and social care system.

This guidance tells people to stay at home, work from home where possible, have no household gatherings and reduce face-to-face contact as much as possible.

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Now, Minister Conor Murphy has unveiled a significant funding package worth £213 million to support businesses as they face “immense pressure” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment is intended to help workers and protect peoples’ livelihoods as people are advised to stay home.

The funding package includes £95 million for a High Street Voucher Scheme for a pre-paid card for use on the high street, which could prove helpful for Northern Ireland mobility retailers.

The finance minister said details on the scheme are being finalised, but for high street mobility retailers who have struggled during the coronavirus crisis, this new voucher scheme might encourage shoppers to return to the high street and purchase essential mobility and independent living aids.

Alongside the High Street Voucher Scheme, the minister also announced that £150 million will be held centrally for longer-term support on business rates, with Conor adding that more details will be provided in the near future.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/High-street.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/High-street-150x150.jpgSarah SarsbyGovernment & Local AuthoritiesInvestments & FundingNewsroomRetailer NewsSector NewsTrade NewsFinance Minister Conor Murphy,high street retailers,High Street Voucher Scheme,mobility retailers,mobility stores,Northern Ireland business supportNorthern Ireland Finance Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £300 million support package, including over £200 million for businesses and a new High Street Voucher Scheme to encourage consumers to return to high street stores. The funding package comes as tougher restrictions were implemented across Northern Ireland on 27 November...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals