Alliance Welcomes Extension Of Energy Payment To More Households

The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that more than 28,000 households not initially eligible for the £600 energy support payment can now apply.

North Down MLA Andrew Muir said: "I am delighted that Park Home residents of Seahaven in Groomsport can now finally apply for their well overdue £600 energy support payment. While most of us have been able to avail of the support, the residents in Seahaven have been paying out of their pocket this winter.

"I know many constituents who would have been lost without the energy support payment, so to think that some of our more senior community members have been left in the lurch for so long is unconscionable."

Seahaven Residential Park offers retirement home living for those over 55 at their parkland between Groomsport and Orlock. Park home facilities are different from caravan parks; for most residents, these are their permanent homes. Seahaven is the largest park home site in Northern Ireland.

In Seahaven, residents pay for their electricity directly to the site owners rather than having an individual connection to an electricity supplier. However, many have separate gas connections.

Mr Muir added: "It's now essential that residents know how to avail of the support.

"This can be done by filling out an online form specific to residents in Northern Ireland at www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-northern-ireland-if-not-automatic.

"Alternatively, people can ring a Northern Ireland customer support team on 0808 175 3894, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm."

SF To Prioritise Workers' Rights In Restored Executive

Sinn Féin will prioritise legislation to strengthen workers' rights in a restored Assembly and Executive, National Chairperson Declan Kearney has said.

Writing on the An Phoblacht website, Declan Kearney said: "The absence of an Executive has left public services and workers and families exposed to even more ruthless Tory cuts. 

"People need an Assembly and Executive which will stand up for them and for public services. 

"In a re-established Executive, Sinn Féin will prioritise legislation to make it easier for workers to join trade unions, participate in collective bargaining, improve job security, and end precarious working conditions.

"We will end the exploitative fire and rehire agenda and press for the transfer of wage setting powers to increase the minimum wage, and trade unions and employers will be consulted on industrial and economic policy.  

"The restoration of the Executive and Assembly must be accompanied by financial investment which puts public finances on a stable and sustainable footing. 

"Sinn Féin stands ready to lead that Executive that stands up for workers, families and public services."

DUP Justice Spokesperson Welcomes New Prison Scanners

DUP Justice Spokesperson Joanne Bunting has welcomed the introduction of new body scanners into Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank prisons.

The East Belfast MLA said: "I am grateful to the Director General of the Prison Service for a briefing on the roll out of these machines. They are long awaited and provide a significant tool in the fight against efforts to smuggle contraband into our prisons.

"The scanners are already in use across other parts of the United Kingdom and they have also been recommended for use by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate. The announcement of their introduction here is welcome and it will bring us into line with good practice elsewhere. Their effectiveness in detecting contraband within prisons in England and Wales only serves to underscore their importance.

"The scanners not only offer an alternative to the traditional body searches, but also can operate much more quickly. That brings benefits for both prisoners and the Prison Service."