The High Street Voucher will provide every adult resident in the north with £100 to spend in local businesses.

The DUP Economy Minister has decided it should only go to 18 year olds and over, ignoring the fact that many 16 and 17 year olds also work and contribute to the local economy.

Extending the voucher to 16 and 17 year olds would support the aim of the scheme which is to get people back into local shops, cafes and other businesses and provide a stimulus to the local economy.

I call on the Economy Minister to recognise that young people contribute to the economy by extending the High Street Voucher to 16 and 17 year olds.