Households across Aberdeen have benefited from £1 million of savings using a gift card issued by Aberdeen City Council – with £900,000 still to be claimed.
More than 14,000 city households in receipt of a Council Tax Reduction qualified for the £125 Scotland Loves Local Aberdeen Gift Card, which has been spent in well over 200 local shops, including suppliers of food and clothing, since it was first issued towards the end of last year.
In June 2022, the council agreed to allocate £1.9 million from the Scottish Government’s Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund towards the scheme.
Councillor Christian Allard, convener of the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee, said: "We were delighted to offer this card to households that may have been struggling with the cost of living crisis, and at the same time give the local economy a much-needed boost.
"I would urge anyone who hasn't yet used their card to make sure they benefit from it."
Vice-convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: "It's very welcome that residents have taken advantage of the gift card over the festive period and at a time when household budgets are being stretched."
The gift card scheme was set up in 2020 by Aberdeen Inspired, the city’s Business Improvement District Operator, to stimulate business activity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Aberdeen City Council’s investment in our Aberdeen Gift Card scheme, and it means more than £1million from the local authority has been ploughed back into the local economy, as well as supporting those who need an extra helping hand in the current climate.
“Recipients of the gift card can redeem their £125 at around 300 different shops, restaurants, salons and entertainment venues, so they can choose whatever suits them best. We have already seen a vast number of different businesses in the city benefiting from this initiative.
“As well as helping local residents, the cards also support local businesses here in Aberdeen.”
Residents have until the 31st March 2023 to activate their cards, which will be valid for 12 months from activation. The card is one of the existing district gift cards that benefits from the Scotland Loves Local brand, as part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card introduced by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in 2021.
More about the scheme https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/help-cost-living/scotland-loves-local-aberdeen-gift-card