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24/07/2013
Call To Protect The Vulnerable From Cuts In Rates Relief
SDLP spokesperson for Environment and Local Government, Dolores Kelly MLA, has called on Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson, to consider all options to protect the most vulnerable from cuts in rates relief.
Speaking after the announcement that the Minister intends to scrap rates relief for 40,000 ratepayers on low incomes, the Upper Bann MLA said: "The Minister has announced today that he will seek to scrap rates relief for around 40,000 ratepayers on low incomes. This could have a severe impact on those families, who are already facing tough times.
"Once again, the Minister is simply implementing Tory welfare cuts in the North of Ireland. I appreciate that the Minister has to find efficiency savings, but he should make the most of his devolved ministerial portfolio and endeavour to find a solution that works for our people. Devolution is supposed to make the lives of our local people better, not rubber stamp English policies. I urge the Minister to explore all options as to how savings could be achieved without hurting the most vulnerable in our society."
(CD/JP)
Speaking after the announcement that the Minister intends to scrap rates relief for 40,000 ratepayers on low incomes, the Upper Bann MLA said: "The Minister has announced today that he will seek to scrap rates relief for around 40,000 ratepayers on low incomes. This could have a severe impact on those families, who are already facing tough times.
"Once again, the Minister is simply implementing Tory welfare cuts in the North of Ireland. I appreciate that the Minister has to find efficiency savings, but he should make the most of his devolved ministerial portfolio and endeavour to find a solution that works for our people. Devolution is supposed to make the lives of our local people better, not rubber stamp English policies. I urge the Minister to explore all options as to how savings could be achieved without hurting the most vulnerable in our society."
(CD/JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
