Millions of pounds worth of gift cards are to be giving out to residents in Glasgow to help boost the local economic recovery post-Covid.
Glasgow City Council intends to spend more than £9 million it received from the Scottish Government on more than 80,000 gift cards worth £110 each.
The gift cards will be provided through the Scotland Loves Local Campaign which is an initiative designed to encourage the people of Scotland to support local businesses and high street stores, reports the Glasgow Times.
It is intended the gift cards will provide the city with a multi-million pound cash injection that will boost their post-pandemic recovery.
To help support the economy, the gift cards can only be used in businesses that are registered with the Scotland Loves Local Campaign and within the Glasgow boundary.
So far, almost 200 local businesses are registered with the scheme.
The council have said it plans to hand out the gift cards to low-income families who have been hit by the pandemic and the lock-down restrictions.
Families who qualify for the council tax reduction benefit will be handed the gift cards which can be used for shopping spree's, dining out and entertainment within the city.
Susan Aitken, leader of the council, said in a report to councillors: “By using the Scotland Loves Local gift card scheme, it will provide cash to individuals from low-income households by way of a gift card that can only be redeemed within the city boundary, providing the local business community with a much-needed cash injection over the next year.”
Councillor Aitken added: “The Scotland Loves Local campaign is a national initiative designed to encourage those who live in Scotland to think local first and support their local high streets.
“The outbreak of coronavirus has caused significant challenges for towns and city centres, high streets and local businesses who have lost out on vital trade.
“The Scotland Loves Local gift card is an innovative way of keeping spend local for longer in every community and region across Scotland.
“The programme is designed so that these cards cannot be used out with the city boundary, ensuring the spend remains within Glasgow, benefitting local businesses.”
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