Menu
24/08/2022
Alliance Calls For Publication Of Welfare Mitigation Measures
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has called for recommendations from the independent welfare mitigation measures to be published as soon as possible.
It comes after the Strangford MLA wrote to Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to seek an update on when the independent review of the mitigations would be published.
The Minister replied to state the Department had received the report, including recommendations for new mitigation measures, stating it would be published at the earliest opportunity. However, implementation of any new payment schemes will require Executive agreement.
"The Minister has had this report for some time and now confirmed it is in her possession," said Ms Armstrong.
"Whilst that is welcome, it needs to be published as soon as possible, as it could contain solutions which could help some people cope with the cost of living crisis now. I call on the Minister to do so and ensure the money spent on the report does not go to waste. The earliest opportunity would have been months ago. We need to see what opportunities have been suggested that could help people across Northern Ireland.
"A working Executive is needed to agree a Budget and unfortunately, due to the DUP deadlock, that is currently not the case and no indication as to when it will change. In the meantime, Alliance has produced its Combatting the Crisis document, with proposals to help mitigate the cost of living crisis.
"All solutions need to be discussed and opportunities taken to help people get through this crisis. The welfare mitigations report and its recommendations would go a long way towards doing that."
It comes after the Strangford MLA wrote to Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to seek an update on when the independent review of the mitigations would be published.
The Minister replied to state the Department had received the report, including recommendations for new mitigation measures, stating it would be published at the earliest opportunity. However, implementation of any new payment schemes will require Executive agreement.
"The Minister has had this report for some time and now confirmed it is in her possession," said Ms Armstrong.
"Whilst that is welcome, it needs to be published as soon as possible, as it could contain solutions which could help some people cope with the cost of living crisis now. I call on the Minister to do so and ensure the money spent on the report does not go to waste. The earliest opportunity would have been months ago. We need to see what opportunities have been suggested that could help people across Northern Ireland.
"A working Executive is needed to agree a Budget and unfortunately, due to the DUP deadlock, that is currently not the case and no indication as to when it will change. In the meantime, Alliance has produced its Combatting the Crisis document, with proposals to help mitigate the cost of living crisis.
"All solutions need to be discussed and opportunities taken to help people get through this crisis. The welfare mitigations report and its recommendations would go a long way towards doing that."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2023
Alliance Warns Of Potential Of 'Low-Income Crisis'
Urgent action is needed to prevent the cost of living crisis running into a 'low-income' crisis, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said.
Alliance Warns Of Potential Of 'Low-Income Crisis'
Urgent action is needed to prevent the cost of living crisis running into a 'low-income' crisis, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said.
11 August 2022
Ministers Urged To Take Cost-Of-Living Crisis Seriously
Stormont and Whitehall must start to take the cost-of-living crisis facing households in NI seriously, SDLP Deputy leader Matthen O'Toole' has said. Mr O'Toole was speaking after SDLP Opposition MLAs met a number of organisations at Stormont to discuss the impact of the energy, food and fuel costs crisis on people across the North.
Ministers Urged To Take Cost-Of-Living Crisis Seriously
Stormont and Whitehall must start to take the cost-of-living crisis facing households in NI seriously, SDLP Deputy leader Matthen O'Toole' has said. Mr O'Toole was speaking after SDLP Opposition MLAs met a number of organisations at Stormont to discuss the impact of the energy, food and fuel costs crisis on people across the North.
31 July 2012
Northern Bank Makes Gloomy NI Economy Predictions For 2012
Northern Bank has downgraded its 2012 economic forecasts for Northern Ireland, predicting that the economy here will grow by just 0.1% for the rest of the year. The estimate has dropped from 0.3% after a slow few months, with the European debt crisis holding growth back.
Northern Bank Makes Gloomy NI Economy Predictions For 2012
Northern Bank has downgraded its 2012 economic forecasts for Northern Ireland, predicting that the economy here will grow by just 0.1% for the rest of the year. The estimate has dropped from 0.3% after a slow few months, with the European debt crisis holding growth back.
15 June 2010
Cowen 'To Win' Confidence Vote
Despite public approval ratings in the Irish Republic being at an all time low of 18%, Taoiseach, Brian Cowen has announced he is expects to win today's Daíl vote of no confidence in him. Fianna Fáil countered a Fine Gael motion for a vote of no-confidence in the Taoiseach by proposing their own vote, which will be taken today.
Cowen 'To Win' Confidence Vote
Despite public approval ratings in the Irish Republic being at an all time low of 18%, Taoiseach, Brian Cowen has announced he is expects to win today's Daíl vote of no confidence in him. Fianna Fáil countered a Fine Gael motion for a vote of no-confidence in the Taoiseach by proposing their own vote, which will be taken today.
22 October 2008
No 'Serial Rapist' At Large
Following news of the fourth rape in the Queen's University area (pictured) in two weeks, the PSNI has moved to quell fears that one individual could be responsible.
No 'Serial Rapist' At Large
Following news of the fourth rape in the Queen's University area (pictured) in two weeks, the PSNI has moved to quell fears that one individual could be responsible.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with outbreaks of rain, heavy for a time, clearing east by midday. Then sunny spells with scattered showers through the afternoon, mostly around the north coast. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Strong winds developing, coastal gales. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
