Budget Ignores Cost Of Living Crisis – SDLP

The latest Tory budget has ignored the cost of living crisis engulfing the North and Britain, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said.

The Foyle MP said: "The sight of Rishi Sunak crowing over a spending settlement after more than a decade of his party's austerity was a grim spectacle. The measures announced will do next to nothing to help struggling families who are currently in the grip of the worst cost of living crisis in recent memory, with pressure growing on them from every angle.

"In the past few months alone we have seen spiralling fuel costs, Universal Credit has been cut by over £1,000 a year, inflation is on the rise and national insurance contributions are set to increase. The Chancellor had a choice today – he could have protected the most vulnerable in society from the cost of living crisis – but in typical Tory fashion he has chosen not to, instead presenting a budget that does more to help those who are already thriving. Buried within today's budget is a three and a half billion tax break for banks, while ordinary people are left to suffer.

"Instead of reversing the Universal Credit cut he has cut the taper rate which ignores the plight of millions of people who have had £20 a week snatched from their pockets by his government. These people will be worrying about how they will keep the lights and heating on, while putting food on the table this winter and they have been badly let down by the British government.

"The decisions taken at Westminster today will be keenly felt by people in the North. It is deeply regrettable that our people are subject to the whims of the Tory government when it comes to decisions that affect their lives. The money provided to the Executive will do little to address the problems created by years of Sinn Féin-DUP mismanagement that has delivered little for our people and kept us entombed in political crisis. Now we have some certainty on multi-year funding the onus is on Conor Murphy to actually take responsibility and deliver a multi-year plan to tackle our waiting list crisis and present a credible plan for our economy."

NI Farm Businesses Already Taking Practical Steps On Climate Action

Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots has praised NI's farm businesses who are already taking practical steps to help reduce emissions and tackle climate change.

The Minister was speaking at the Agriculture and Climate Change: A Countryside COP event' at CAFRE's Greenmount campus, jointly organised by DAERA and the Ulster Farmers' Union in advance of COP26.

Minister Poots said: "It is my focus, and that of my Department, to ensure that we have sustainable agri-food, fisheries and forestry sectors; which help to create a clean, healthy environment that benefits people, nature and the economy in alignment with the Executive's Green Growth approach."

Roadworks Announced In Ballymoney From 08 November

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has announced major roadworks in Ballymoney, due to begin on Monday 08 November.

The £207,500 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the A26 Frosses Road, at Kilraughts Road Roundabout, will extend for a distance of approximately 0.55 kilometres and will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the road.

Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment for a busy stretch of the road network will provide long term benefits all who use it including businesses and residents in the area. I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while these much needed works are completed."