High Street voucher scheme to launch after 12 September

It is hoped the High Street voucher scheme in Northern Ireland will launch after 12 September, Stormont's economy committee has been told.

To apply, people will have to be 18 before applications close on 11 October.

Every adult in Northern Ireland will eligible for a £100 pre-paid card.

Cards will have to be spent by 30 November to avoid displacing spending during the peak of the Christmas shopping period.

The intention is to encourage spending at retailers that have been badly affected by the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The committee was also told they would not be offered to 16 and 17-year-olds, which some politicians had called for.

In July, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said applications would be checked against the latest electoral register.

The electoral register is being updated through a canvass, which takes place every 10 years.

Even if you have previously been registered to vote you must do so again as part of the process.