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Armagh Banbridge Community Constituency Craigavon Downpatrick Government Health Infrastructure Kilkeel Lurgan Monaghan Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown South Armagh South Down Stormont Upper Bann Warrenpoint

Housing Executive Rent to Increase by 7%

In response to the Housing Executive’s annual request for a rent increase, the Department for Communities has confirmed that from 4 April 2023, Housing Executive rents will increase by 7%. Rent pays for the housing services provided by the Housing Executive. This below-inflation increase will provide funding for essential maintenance, improvements and investment while also […]

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Armagh Banbridge Campaigns Community Constituency Craigavon Daisy Hill Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Thousands of Unite Health Members Join NI-Wide Strike in Demand for Fair Wages and Safe Staffing

Union warns of `existential crisis’ for health service as NI wages fall further behind 4000 members of Unite the union will join strike action tomorrow (Tuesday) at health and social care workplaces, across Northern Ireland. Workers, including ambulance service workers, are fighting for a fair pay rise and urgent action to avert an `existential crisis’ in […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

15 Year Old Charged With Arson

Police in Downpatrick have charged a 15-year-old boy with a number of offences including arson, assault on police and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. The boy is due to appear before Newtownards Youth Court tomorrow, Tuesday, 21st February. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. The charges relate […]

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Armagh Banbridge Campaigns Community Constituency Craigavon Daisy Hill Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Hundreds of Health Workers will join 21st February strikes, says GMB

NHS workers will join teachers and other health unions on picket lines next week, GMB announces today (Wednesday).  In the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for a generation, NHS workers have been offered real terms pay cuts. Jim Donley GMB regional organiser, said:  “NHS staff worked tirelessly through the pandemic – always […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government NMD Council South Down

Spring Forward and Secure Your New Job at Newry, Mourne and Down Job Fair

Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership is offering local employers and residents the opportunity to come together at a Job Fair in Downpatrick on Thursday 9 March 2023. Providing a platform for businesses across the district to promote a range of vacancies, the Newry, Mourne and Down Job Fair will entice those interested in […]

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

Fire Service Votes For Strike Action

Firefighters across the UK have delivered a decisive mandate for strike action, with 88% voting Yes on a 73% turnout. The strike ballot opened on 5th  December and closed on 30th January.  Two separate simultaneous ballots, in Northern Ireland and among Control Room staff in the North West of England, also delivered strong results. In Northern Ireland, the result […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics South Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Agrees to District Rates Rise of 5.99%

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has struck the rate for the incoming financial year of 5.99%. The Domestic Rate for 2023/2024 will be 0.4395 pence, for a property valued at £133,000* this would lead to an annual increase of £33.05 per year or £2.75 per month. The non-domestic District Rate for 2023/24 is 27.2846 […]

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Community Constituency Crime Government South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

Ennis Slams Invasive Use of Counselling Records in Sexual Assault Trials

Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has slammed the invasive use of victims’ counselling records in sexual assault trials. The South Down MLA said: “It is unacceptable that victims of sexual assault cannot access mental health support from counsellors without the worry that their words will end up being read out in a court room. “This […]

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Community Constituency Crime South Down

Two Men Arrested Following Discovery of Cannabis Farm in Co. Down

Two men arrested following the discovery of a cannabis farm in County Down. Detectives from the Organised Crime Unit, assisted by colleagues in District Support Team and local Neighbourhood policing teams, have arrested two men following the discovery of a large cannabis farm at a property in County Down. Detective Inspector Kelly said: “This is […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Chairperson’s Supports Local Charities with Charity Ball

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage has been raising vital funds for the four charities that he has chosen to support during his year in office. On Friday 3 February, over 300 guests turned out in their finery for the Chairperson’s Charity Ball at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry where they […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont Westminster

McGrath: NI Secretary Has Responsibility to Progress Dáithí’s Law

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris needs to take responsibility and progress Dáithí’s Law. He was speaking after a meeting between the Secretary of State and the MacGabhann family on Wednesday. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “The Secretary of State had the opportunity today to express his full support […]

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Armagh Banbridge Community Constituency Craigavon Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown South Armagh South Down Upper Bann Warrenpoint

Changes to Housing Selection Scheme Announced

Changes to the Housing Selection Scheme in Northern Ireland come into effect this week. The Housing Selection Scheme and Common Waiting List governs the allocation of all permanent social housing in Northern Ireland. It has been in place for more than 20 years and changes are now being introduced to ensure that those in greatest […]