There are reports this evening that Herefordshire Council has added £10 to the Shop Local prepaid cards that were given out to households to support local businesses.

Your Herefordshire has approached Herefordshire Council for clarification.

Shop Local information from Herefordshire Council:

Almost 60,000 Herefordshire households have successfully applied for their Herefordshire Council Shop Local prepaid card. This card is issued by allpay Limited on behalf of Herefordshire Council (Card Provider).

Please note the Shop Local scheme is now closed to new card applications.

Our local and independent retailers, producers and traders have had a particularly tough time during the Covid pandemic. We think giving you a little extra to Shop Local now will help kickstart the recovery.

By supporting our local shops, restaurants and businesses, we are investing in the future of the whole county. By shopping local you can make sure your money stays local – which is good for you, your community and the future of Herefordshire.

Shop Local prepaid cards have £15 on for households to spend in Herefordshire. Funds on cards need to be spent by the 31 March 2022. After this date funds will be returned to Herefordshire Council.

Please keep your card until the scheme closes on 31 March 2022. It is possible that additional money may be available to be loaded onto your card depending on scheme take up

How to activate your card

  • Step 1
    Sign the reverse of your card. Call allpay Customer Services on 0330 808 0102 and select option 1 and follow the instructions to activate your card.
    You will need your Client ID, located at the top of the letter sent out with your card and your date of birth to activate your card.
  • Step 2
    You will be prompted to setup a memorable 6-digit telephone access code. This is the 6-digit code that is used to access your account details on the telephone service.
  • Step 3
    Once your card has been activated you will be given your 4-digit PIN for your card over the phone. Please ensure that you remember your PIN and keep it safe. You will need your PIN to make card purchases in shops.

If you experience any problems activating or using your card, please contact the council: Email shoplocal@herefordshire.gov.uk or call Customer services 01432 260000.

When contacting us, please ensure you provide your client ID (if you have it), the name in which the card is registered, the address and date of birth. This will allow us to process your query as quickly as possible.

Using your card

Once you have activated your prepaid card it can be used at retailers in Herefordshire displaying the Mastercard® acceptance mark. Businesses do not need to register to participate in the scheme and to date over 1,500 Herefordshire businesses have accepted Shop Local card payments.

You may be restricted from using your card for some purchases, which could include restrictions at off-licences, as well as for betting and gambling (including lottery tickets and casinos), dating and escort services, massage parlours, pawn shops and tobacco stores, counselling services, automated fuel pumps, cable, satellite, or other paid TV subscription services and telecommunication services.

Your new card allows you to make contactless transactions. Please note that the first transaction you make using your card will need be done via chip and PIN, so please ensure you know your 4-digit PIN.

The card cannot be used to withdraw cash and you will not be able to make internet purchases or transactions even if the business is based in Herefordshire.

There are no fees associated with this card and you should not be charged a transaction fee.

Card balance

If you make a transaction for less than £15 and have funds remaining on your card you should note how much this balance is. Future transactions cannot exceed the remaining balance.

You can check your balance by:

Other important information

Please keep your card safe. The e-money loaded onto your card should be treated just like the cash in your wallet.

In the event of loss or theft of the card, you are responsible for reporting this as soon as possible by calling allpay Customer Services on 0330 808 0102 and selecting the Lost & Stolen option. As soon as this is done, your card will be immediately blocked, protecting you from unauthorised usage. 

You should retain safely the letter that accompanied your card for future reference. It contains important information such as your unique Client ID and terms and conditions of use which you are legally required to be aware of and apply.

Issuer statement

The allpay prepaid card is issued by allpay Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. allpay Ltd is a company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 900539) for the issuance of electronic money. Head office and registered address: Fortis et Fides, Whitestone Business Park, Whitestone, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 3SE (Company No 02933191). Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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