Over 9900 low-income households in South Ayrshire will receive a £50 gift card to help with the cost of living crisis.
Those across the region who receive Council Tax Reduction will soon receive a £50 Scotland Loves Local South Ayrshire Gift Card, which can be spent in over 140 registered businesses in the area, including retail, hospitality, health and beauty, and leisure.
The boost hopes to alleviate some of the pressures with the cost of living crisis as residents will be able to use the gift card to purchase fruit and veg, meat from the butchers, pet supplies or even Christmas presents.
Distribution begins in late November, as part of the Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) funding.
Residents who were in receipt of Council Tax Reduction on Tuesday, September 13 will soon receive a letter with the card and details on how to activate it.
Councillor Bob Pollock, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said the scheme is twofold as it also helps businesses in recovery from the pandemic.
He said: “It will also give local businesses a much-needed boost following the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on trade.
“New businesses are registering to receive the card every day, and we want to make sure that every community in South Ayrshire can benefit from this fantastic scheme.
“I know we all have a tough winter ahead with the cost of living crisis, so I hope that these cards make a difference where it matters most.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership chief officer, Phil Prentice, echoed Cllr Pollock's thoughts and said “everyone wins” as the gift card channels money directly back into local businesses.
He added: “To build a stronger future for the region, it is so important to choose local and support the businesses in your area.
“The council’s use of the gift cards reinforces the drive for people to do so.”
The South Ayrshire gift cards will be administered by Miconex, delivery partners for Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
Colin Munro, Managing Director of Miconex, added: “There’s still time for South Ayrshire businesses to register to accept the gift card as payment.
“The Scotland Loves Local South Ayrshire Gift Card is a prepaid Mastercard. It’s free for businesses to accept the card, and they need no additional equipment.
“With over 9000 gift cards soon to be in circulation in South Ayrshire, there has never been a better time to sign up.”
If you’re a business and would like to register to accept the card, please visit: www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard
More information can be found at: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/scotlandloveslocalgiftcards
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
