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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Westminster

SDLP: Childcare Costs Must Remain Political Priority

SDLP MP Claire Hanna has welcomed the launch of the childcare subsidy scheme today, encouraging parents to register to receive support.  The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said that this scheme is only part of a package of support needed to help working families.  Claire Hanna MP said: “For years, parents have been speaking […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Stormont Westminster

Minister to Update Executive on Winter Fuel Payment

Commenting on the Chancellor’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “The announcement to limit the Winter Fuel Payment is disappointing news which will impact upon many in our society. For those who are less well off, it creates an additional financial burden. It also comes amid a range of […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Westminster

SDLP Calls For End to Two-Child Benefit Cap

SDLP MPs have supported an amendment to the King’s Speech to be debated this evening at Westminster which would commit to ending the two-child benefit cap.  The SDLP has long called for an end to the cap which has compounded child poverty and has a particularly detrimental impact on families in Northern Ireland. Speaking ahead […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Health Newry and Armagh South Down Stormont Upper Bann

Housing Executive Warns of Cuts as System Could Get A Lot Worse

The Housing Executive has published its response to the Department for Communities’ Budget 2024/5 Equality Impact Assessment. Whilst the Housing Executive is acutely aware of the strategic public finance challenges for Northern Ireland and, in particular, the financial constraints facing the Department for Communities, the housing body is warning that proposed budget cuts to the […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Council Champions ‘Right to Food Campaign’ in Poster Competition

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne hosted a reception for the winners of ‘The Right to Food’ poster competition in the Downshire Civic Centre on Friday 21 June 2024. The ‘Right to Food’ campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for every child’s right to access nutritious meals to ensure […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Education Government Health Politics Stormont

“Children will go Hungry over Government Decision on Food Vouchers” – Aontu

Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry candidate Gemma Brolly has said that the latest decision that government funding cannot support our most vulnerable during the school holidays is another example of how the needs of the most vulnerable are being ignored. Speaking today, Ms Brolly, herself a school teacher and special needs coordinator, said: “Free […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Consultation Into School Uniform Costs Positive Step – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the launch of a consultation on school uniforms is a positive step to reducing costs for parents and families. Cathy Mason said: “It is welcome that the education minister has launched into school uniform costs. “Any step towards making school uniforms more affordable for parents and families is […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Carla Lockhart MP Presses Government on Rocketing Fuel Costs 

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has highlighted the significant issue of escalating fuel prices in Parliament, focusing on the severe impact these costs have on drivers, particularly in rural areas like Upper Bann. During Treasury question time, the DUP MP urged the Government to tackle the burdensome fuel costs, which have seen a sharp increase […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh Stormont

‘Action Needed to Cut Crippling Insurance Costs’ – Boylan

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said action is needed to reduce the crippling cost of insurance for families, workers and businesses.  Speaking after the Assembly today endorsed a Sinn Féin motion calling for an investigation into recent insurance hikes and a reduction in the rate of Insurance Premium Tax, Cathal Boylan said: “I welcome […]

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Campaigns Community Consumer Council NI Cost of Living Lifestyle

90% of Consumers Concerned About Rising Cost of Basics

New research published today by the Consumer Council shows 90% of consumers in Northern Ireland are concerned about the rising cost of basics. Basics refer to the everyday living essentials such as housing, energy, food, transport and telephone/mobile and broadband costs. The cost of home energy tops consumer concerns at 91%, followed by food and […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Newry Newry and Armagh

Housing Rents Increase as Newry Sits at £720 Average

Two thirds of people in Northern Ireland believe rent is too expensive, a new survey has revealed. The survey by CompareNI.com asked people in Northern Ireland about their experience with renting. The majority of those surveyed (68%) said they believed rent in the region is too expensive. Recent data analysed by CompareNI.com shows rental prices […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Opposition Brings Forward Proposals to Fight Poverty, Including Ending Two-Child Limit

SDLP Opposition brings forward proposals to fight poverty, including ending two-child limit The SDLP Opposition will this week prioritise tackling poverty in Northern Ireland, using its second official Opposition Day to call on the Executive to endorse a range of vital measures, including ending the pernicious two-child limit on Universal Credit and a ban on […]