Menu
16/12/2008
Rapid Response 'Fastest Ever' Law-Making Helps Needy
A Stormont Bill to help those suffering from high fuel costs in NI, which is expected to become law in January, will enter more than just the statute books - it will also be a record achievement as one of the fastest pieces of legislation ever passed here.
The First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have just announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will make a payment of £150 to householders on pension credit and income support, such as vulnerable pensioners who may not be able to afford the high cost of heatring oil.
The £15 million announcement was made following a meeting of the Executive in Stormont Castle on Monday.
The payment will be made to over 100,000 households through a new 'Rapid Response Capacity', which will be fast tracked through the Assembly in the form of a new Financial Assistance Bill.
Mr Robinson said: "This new mechanism will initially be used to direct funds towards the most vulnerable in our society at a time of exceptional need in relation to fuel costs."
Also commenting, Mr McGuinness said: "In the future however we can deploy the capacity to provide a rapid and effective response to any situation the Executive feels warrants the protection of local interests."
(BMcC)
The First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have just announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will make a payment of £150 to householders on pension credit and income support, such as vulnerable pensioners who may not be able to afford the high cost of heatring oil.
The £15 million announcement was made following a meeting of the Executive in Stormont Castle on Monday.
The payment will be made to over 100,000 households through a new 'Rapid Response Capacity', which will be fast tracked through the Assembly in the form of a new Financial Assistance Bill.
Mr Robinson said: "This new mechanism will initially be used to direct funds towards the most vulnerable in our society at a time of exceptional need in relation to fuel costs."
Also commenting, Mr McGuinness said: "In the future however we can deploy the capacity to provide a rapid and effective response to any situation the Executive feels warrants the protection of local interests."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 April 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Information After Car Set On Fire In South Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a car was set on fire in south Belfast.
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Information After Car Set On Fire In South Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a car was set on fire in south Belfast.
26 April 2024
New Irish Whisky Experience Opens At Crumlin Road Gaol
The First and deputy First Ministers and US Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy have marked the official opening of the newly completed McConnell's Distillery and Visitor Experience at Crumlin Road Gaol.
New Irish Whisky Experience Opens At Crumlin Road Gaol
The First and deputy First Ministers and US Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy have marked the official opening of the newly completed McConnell's Distillery and Visitor Experience at Crumlin Road Gaol.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
28 February 2024
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
