NEARLY 10,000 South Ayrshire households will soon recent a gift card to spend in local shops to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

The £50 South Ayrshire gift card from the Scotland Loves Local scheme will be sent to households in the area who are entitled to a reduction in their council tax.

The card can be spent in more than 140 businesses who are registered on the scheme across the area, including retail, hospitality, health and beauty, and leisure.

More than 9,900 households will receive a card when 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 as of Tuesday, September 13 will soon receive a letter with the card and details on how to activate it.

The South Ayrshire gift cards will be administered by Miconex, delivery partners for the Scotland's Towns Partnership.

Councillor Bob Pollock, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “The Scotland Loves Local South Ayrshire Gift Card will provide low-income households with a one-off £50 card to help with their day-to-day expenses, such as food and other consumables.

“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.

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“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.” 

Phil Prentice, chief officer with the Scotland's Towns Partnership, said: “This is fantastic use of the Scotland Loves Local South Ayrshire Gift Card, helping people in South Ayrshire while channelling money directly back into local businesses. Everyone wins.

“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.

"It has reaped strong rewards for other authorities who have embraced their local gift card in this way.”

Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex, said: "Recipients can spend their £50 gift card on anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to meat from the butchers, pet supplies to new shoes or even Christmas toys.

"By using the gift card, South Ayrshire Council is able to disburse funds with dignity, and provide a tangible economic boost to local businesses.

“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 9,000 gift cards soon to be in circulation in South Ayrshire, there has never been a better time to sign up.”

Businesses can join the South Ayrshire Gift Card for free by visiting lovelocal.scot.

Find out more about the South Ayrshire Gift Card at scotlandgiftslocal.com.