New Discretionary Support Commissioner Announced

Former Human Rights Commissioner, Les Allamby as been appointed the new Discretionary Support Commissioner by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.

Mr Allamby succeeds the first Discretionary Support Commissioner, Walter Rader.

Minister Hargey welcomed Mr Allamby to the role and thanked the outgoing Commissioner for his efforts.

Minister Hargey said: "It is vital that people in crisis situations are supported and the appointment of a new Commissioner will ensure that continues to happen.

"Les has extensive knowledge and experience of the social security system which will aid him in his new role and help continue the excellent work carried out by his predecessor.

"I would like to thank Walter for his work in the role as the first Discretionary Support Commissioner.

"An independent review of the scheme has been carried out during his tenure and advice and guidance provided to staff via the Change Control Group, which influences policy decisions and aims to improve the service for customers."

Discretionary Support was introduced in 2016 to provide emergency financial support for people on low incomes who find themselves in extreme, exceptional or crisis situations.

Interest Rate Hike 'Devastating' – SDLP

The hike in the UK interest rate will be a devastating blow to already struggling families across Northern Ireland, SDLP South Belfast MP Claire Hanna has said.

She was speaking after the Bank of England lifted the rate to 3%, the largest increase since 1989.

Ms Hanna said warnings of a "very challenging" recession would cause further fear for households dealing with soaring costs.

South Belfast MP Ms Hanna said: "Today's hike in the interest rate and warning that we are on the brink of a recession will cause fear and concern for families already finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. This announcement will put an end to many people's dreams of owning their own homes or starting their own business and leave those already on the housing ladder wondering how on earth they are going to make their mortgage payments.

"Plunging people further into poverty is the legacy of Liz Truss's brief weeks in power, she played fast and loose with public finances and now it's hard-working people who will pay the price. The 2008 recession had a profound impact on this place, businesses closed, people lost their homes and many were pushed to the brink under unimaginable pressures.

"This is a time for political leadership and while we believe a Labour-led government is best placed to provide it, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must immediately spell out exactly what he is going to do to protect people from the current emergency. Many families are already going hungry in cold houses and I dread to think how they will be feeling at this announcement that further misery is on the way.

"As we stare into this deepening crisis the DUP's flimsy excuses for preventing our institutions from functioning look all the more ridiculous. Stormont cannot reverse a recession, but it can take steps to help people and mitigate the worst aspects of this crisis. The only way we are going to navigate this extremely difficult period is with governments in London and Belfast recognising the desperate situation families are facing and working together to implement interventions to get them through it."

Vetoing Executive 'Unconscionable'

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said it is "unconscionable" for any party to veto the formation of an Executive when the health system is under so much pressure.

The South Belfast MLA was speaking as Alliance published a document outlining the actions needing to be taken by the Executive or Health Minister to help the health service tackle winter pressures in the health service.

The update to the party's Fighting Fit policy document, released earlier this year, includes proposals for a patient safety commissioner, proofing all legislation for impact on fuel poverty and well-being, and a ten-year funding plan for a mental health strategy and to enhance mental well-being in schools.

"This document makes clear the severe cost to the entire population, and particularly to people using and working in the healthcare system, of having no Executive and even no Minister in place over the coming months," said Ms Bradshaw.

"It is unconscionable for any party to delay the restoration of a functioning Executive when we can already see the healthcare system is under unprecedented pressure and when we know that the energy crisis will only enhance. It comes at significant cost to each and every one of us.

"With no Executive, we are already short on time to move on all the things we need to do to help prepare the system for the difficult winter ahead, and now to allow a situation where there will be no Ministers either is extremely damaging.

"Notably, we will also not be able to get on with safe staffing legislation and ensuring fair pay and conditions, meaning the ongoing outflow of workers will continue. We will not be able to make decisions on the duty of candour and on other issues to ensure patient safety is prioritised across the system, and we will not be able to move on with transformation, leaving workers operating a broken system as best they can.

"This document demonstrates there are many more issues requiring Executive and Ministerial attention too. Without restoration, we will not be able to do so. Standing for election comes with a responsibility to respect the outcome and to get on with the job on behalf of all the people once elected.

"Further stalling will come at immense human cost. Putting in place an Executive now will not solve all our issues, but not putting one in place will solve none of them. This is a further example of the many issues which need resolved urgently."