27/05/2022
Alliance Warn That NI's Most Vulnerable Look Set To Lose Out
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir has warned that those in need in Northern Ireland again look set to lose out the financial support announced by the UK government.
Mr Muir said: "The Cost of Living crisis is a daily reality for millions of people across the UK and here in Northern Ireland. (The) statement from the Chancellor should have been made many months ago. The UK continues to play catch up with the level of support that is being offered to households and families in other countries.
"With respect to Northern Ireland it is helpful that some aspects of the package will be going through the benefit system and will be automatically directed to eligible households. We continue to maintain that the most effective way to help those most in need would be immediately uprating benefits in line with the true current rate of inflation.
"However, there is a major question mark over how households in NI will benefit from the £400 discount in energy bills. This money would normal be Barnett consequentials to the NI Executive, but given the DUP continues to shamefully use the people of NI as leverage, there is no Executive in place that can make decisions as to how it will be allocated here.
"We are now faced with the prospect of either this money being added to an ever growing pot of resource that is sitting unused to support hard pressed households, or the UK Government slowly intervening in some complex way giving help that's too little, too late. Neither of these pathways is tenable. The only credible way forward is for the DUP to immediately lift their veto, put the people of NI first and let us deliver local solutions without delay."
Mr Muir said: "The Cost of Living crisis is a daily reality for millions of people across the UK and here in Northern Ireland. (The) statement from the Chancellor should have been made many months ago. The UK continues to play catch up with the level of support that is being offered to households and families in other countries.
"With respect to Northern Ireland it is helpful that some aspects of the package will be going through the benefit system and will be automatically directed to eligible households. We continue to maintain that the most effective way to help those most in need would be immediately uprating benefits in line with the true current rate of inflation.
"However, there is a major question mark over how households in NI will benefit from the £400 discount in energy bills. This money would normal be Barnett consequentials to the NI Executive, but given the DUP continues to shamefully use the people of NI as leverage, there is no Executive in place that can make decisions as to how it will be allocated here.
"We are now faced with the prospect of either this money being added to an ever growing pot of resource that is sitting unused to support hard pressed households, or the UK Government slowly intervening in some complex way giving help that's too little, too late. Neither of these pathways is tenable. The only credible way forward is for the DUP to immediately lift their veto, put the people of NI first and let us deliver local solutions without delay."
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22 July 2021
New Hottest Day On Record As Heatwave Continues
Northern Ireland has provisionally recorded its hottest day on record for the second time in five days. A temperature of 31.3 °C was recorded at 2:37pm on Wednesday 21 July in Castlederg, County Tyrone – exceeding the temperature recorded in Ballywatticock on Saturday 17 July of 31.2 °C.
New Hottest Day On Record As Heatwave Continues
Northern Ireland has provisionally recorded its hottest day on record for the second time in five days. A temperature of 31.3 °C was recorded at 2:37pm on Wednesday 21 July in Castlederg, County Tyrone – exceeding the temperature recorded in Ballywatticock on Saturday 17 July of 31.2 °C.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.