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.
18 April 2024
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
25 April 2024
Drugs And Cash Seized In Donaghadee Search Operation
PSNI detectives investigation criminality linked to West Belfast UDA have carried out a search operation in Doneghadee. On Wednesday, 24 April, officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force conducted a search of a property under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Drugs And Cash Seized In Donaghadee Search Operation
PSNI detectives investigation criminality linked to West Belfast UDA have carried out a search operation in Doneghadee. On Wednesday, 24 April, officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force conducted a search of a property under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
29 January 2024
63-Year-Old Woman Arrested Over Stabbing In Antrim
A 63-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident in Antrim on Friday, 26 January. Shortly after 5.10am police received a report that a man, aged in his 40s, had been stabbed at a property in the Firmount Drive area of the town. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds to his upper body area.
63-Year-Old Woman Arrested Over Stabbing In Antrim
A 63-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident in Antrim on Friday, 26 January. Shortly after 5.10am police received a report that a man, aged in his 40s, had been stabbed at a property in the Firmount Drive area of the town. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds to his upper body area.
22 January 2024
Flu Vaccination Programme Extended To 50 To 64 Year Olds
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that the influenza vaccination programme has now been extended to include everyone aged 50 to 64 years old.
Flu Vaccination Programme Extended To 50 To 64 Year Olds
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that the influenza vaccination programme has now been extended to include everyone aged 50 to 64 years old.
28 March 2024
Healthy Happy Minds Pilot Project Independent Report Published
The Department of Education has published an independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds pilot project, which was introduced to provide therapeutic and counselling support in primary schools and test approaches which would help inform provision in the longer-term.
Healthy Happy Minds Pilot Project Independent Report Published
The Department of Education has published an independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds pilot project, which was introduced to provide therapeutic and counselling support in primary schools and test approaches which would help inform provision in the longer-term.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
