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

MP Carla Lockhart Welcomes Pay and Grading Review Agreement for School Support Staff

Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed the good news that school support staff across Northern Ireland will benefit from an agreed pay and grading review. This resolution, delivered by DUP Minister Paul Givan MLA in partnership with representative unions, marks a significant step forward for the dedicated staff who play such a vital role in supporting […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Westminster

SDLP MPs Oppose Cuts to Winter Fuel Payments

SDLP MPs have voted against proposed cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in the House of Commons this afternoon. Speaking from Westminster, Claire Hanna MP said: “The cut to Winter Fuel Payments runs the very real risk of pushing pensioners into fuel poverty over the coming months. The targeting is too narrow and the […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Westminster

Extend Child Benefit For Your Teen By 31st August

Parents have less than two weeks to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) their 16-19 year-old is continuing education or training, or their Child Benefit payments will stop. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers will decide on their future this week as they receive their GCSE results on Thursday (22 August 2024). For parents of 16-19-year-olds […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

McNulty: No Action Is Being Taken to Address Housing Crisis

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has said the Executive have no plan to solve the current housing crisis. Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “It has been clear for some time that we are dealing a serious housing crisis in the North and the failure to respond to these warning signs have left us in a […]

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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 […]