£500 to spend.

I think that if there is any truth at all behind the rumour/leak, it will be announced in the mini budget on Wednesday.

EllanVannin

I think they've done this in Australia, or they're going to do it if I remember rightly.
It depends what the restrictions would be and where you can spend it.

Doodledog is right, the idea is to boost the economy.

Sorry, you had already posted that, EllanVannin
Yes, they have.

If it helps local businesses recover then I think it's a good idea. Far better than just a hand out. This way both the retailer and the consumer benefit.

I'm sorry, gilly but I don't see any snobbery here. It's not a cash windfall.

Those who live in larger towns will have a lot more choice!

That's true. We'll probably spend more than £500 in petrol trying to find somewhere to spend the vouchers.

I wonder if it could be split, eg half to a decorator and half for a new bedroom carpet?

Somehow I don't think £500 will buy my new kitchen.

I wonder if there will be a short expiry date on them to prevent us all saving them up for Christmas?

Gillybob, I do understand your feeling that (if this comes off) you would like to spend the money on things you need rather than want, and I am not picking on you, but this is not the same as people getting food vouchers instead of benefits - it is simply a way of giving local businesses a boost whilst also giving taxpayers some of their money back.

The alternative is to use taxpayers' money on furloughing workers and/or paying the rents of business owners, and there being a direct transfer of funds with no payback for the taxpayer.

There is no snobbery, and (as I understand it so far) no unfairness at all - if people don't want to spend the vouchers they don't have to. I don't suppose there is anything stopping people from spending them on something and selling it on, then using the cash to pay the mortgage or on groceries.

It is, in effect, 'given money' - no-one is losing out - so I don't understand why you think the scheme 'stinks' (although I appreciate that you would rather have more freedom of choice in how to spend it).

merlotgran I read the vouchers would be valid for 12 months.

It’s fine to disagree Doodledog we all have different opinions.

Many years ago when I was a single mum the first time around I got milk vouchers for my son as did many of my neighbours. The local milkman used to buy them off some people (not me) at half the face value .

If it goes ahead I can see this hair brained scheme working in much the same way .

I simply fail to see the logic or fairness of someone not being able to use their voucher to put food on the table, or to provide heat in the winter, when someone else (in much less need) is using theirs to buy a new handbag .

It’s a strange world .

They have a similar scheme in the USA but from what I understand the money is paid direct into your account, so you're free to spend how you wish.

It's something they've done before.

High earners are excluded.

Stimulus cheques

A much fairer idea Riverwalk .

I wouldn’t be bothered if I didn’t get it, but it annoys me to think that some people would be relying on food banks to feed their family with a restricted use £500 voucher wasting away in their bag.

I read on janea's link that convenience stores would be included. They sell food don't they? Surely any money saved by using vouchers to buy food could be put towards other bills?

Ditto clothes, shoes, Christmas presents etc.

How can anyone who is short of money not work out a way to use the vouchers to their advantage?

£1000 per couple and more if you have children is a heck of a lot when you are really short.

I thought that too, gillybob, that there could be a "black market" in vouchers unless there is a failsafe method.

I wonder if any of our Australian posters would know? Not everyone got them there as far as I remember.

However, as a boost to local businesses it could be vital, if it ever happens.
Would it mean going to the shops or a pub or restaurant though? I don't want to do that yet.

People are getting in a tizz about how they're going to be able to spend the money - I'm sure when it's in our hot little hands we'll have no difficulty, wherever we live!

There's always something you need surely.

If it happens and they are distributed quickly, the vouchers could be used for school uniforms and shoes ready for the new school year.
Children always need new shoes and seem to grow out of their uniforms rapidly too.
(And plimsolls.)

If it's only to be used for such things as hospitality then that would limit me to spending more time in local coffee shops and pubs which is something I only do as a treat, rather than on a regular basis. I need to lose weight, not put it on.

Hairdresser, perhaps?

That’s assuming you can use the vouchers (if they appear) in the supermarket or school uniform shop .

People on the breadline can’t afford to pay the inflated prices at “convenience stores” .

I agree merlot. People would surely be able to find a way to use the vouchers to their benefit. But that said, these vouchers (if they come about) are primarily to boost the economy, not the individual. Although, of course, the individual will benefit. The alternative would be for the government to give a cash boost to the businesses instead of the customers. Then the businesses would benefit, but the customers wouldn't. This way we all get something out of it.

Someone said upthread about not being able to justify spending £500 on luxuries. But why not? This is extra to our income. I understand not being able to justify spending normal income on luxuries, but this is different. It would be a unique opportunity to have some luxuries that you otherwise would not be able to justify!

Not more hand-outs. We tax payers are going to be filling the coffers again for many years. I know I am going off at a tangent, but I am so cross with big companies who took advantage of the furlough scheme (which was wonderful) only to make their staff redundant as soon as the scheme ended. They should either pay the money back, or guarantee workers at least a year’s employment.

Just to illustrate what I meant about being an opportunity to have some luxuries: supposing you were lying awake in bed wondering how on earth you could afford a new washing machine, and the next morning the washing machine fairy rocked up at your front door with a brand new one, free of charge. Would you say to her "Oh no, I couldn't possibly justify having that!"

People on the breadline can’t afford to pay the inflated prices at “convenience stores”

I give up.

I really can’t believe some of these posts.

I am not saying anyone who has plenty of money for essentials shouldn’t be allowed to buy whatever they like. A new handbag and expensive meal out or whatever. I just feel strongly that those in not such a fortunate position should be able to spend their voucher however they see fit. Whether it is a food shop at Asda, new shoes for the children, fixing the washing machine, or even paying a gas bill.

Don’t give up merlot .

Can you imagine the cost of buying a big family shop at a convenience store instead of a cut price supermarket such as Aldi etc.

The convenience stores around where I live were all open and very busy during the lockdown . I don’t think they need some poor families to prop them up .

If you are well off and don’t need basics maybe it might be possible to give the “money to somebody who does? I also read they are going to give grants for double glazing, heat pumps and insulation which would save people a lot of money on their heating bills as well as helping the environment.