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02/12/2022
Other News In Brief
Belfast City Council Approve £1m Fuel Poverty Hardship Fund Scheme
Belfast City Council has agreed a £1 million fuel poverty hardship fund scheme proposed by Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn.
Under this scheme, eligible households in the Belfast City Council area will be able to apply for one-off £100 payments towards fuel to heat their homes this winter.
Cllr Flynn said "I welcome Council members agreeing a way forward for administration and delivery of a fuel poverty hardship fund in our city, this will provide much needed one-off intervention for those most in need this winter.
"In the wake of the UK government & the DUP's failure to deliver support for the people of NI, the Green Party will do what we can where we can to provide much needed support for the most vulnerable in our society."
Further info on how to apply for this support to come soon.
Latest Sexual Offences Figure Highlight Need For Strategy – SDLP
The latest figures around sexual offences highlights the need for a Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, SDLP Justice Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has said.
It follows the publication of the PPS' annual report on cases involving sexual offences, which shows that in 2021/22, prosecution rates for all sexual offences increased by 8% from the previous year from 23.6% to 31.6%.
The Foyle MLA said: "Sexual offences are truly heinous and terrible crimes and it is incumbent on our justice system to bring the full force of the law to bear on the people behind them. While of course it is welcome that there are signs of gradual improvements in terms of the conviction rate as well as improvements in the time taken to issue decisions, I know that the PPS and its partners recognise that we still have much more to do. This is particularly true when it comes to the amount of time that victims have to wait for prosecutorial decisions in the Crown Court, as they are still waiting for almost a year.
"It's right that we recognise that although these offences do not just impact women and girls, they are disproportionately affected. I believe these statistics show yet more evidence why we need a reformed Executive to deliver a Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, as the responsibility to eradicate these abhorrent crimes does not just rest with our police service or the PPS. This requires change in almost every element of our society, from our education system to misogynistic societal attitudes which are still far too prevalent and fuel this kind of crime.
"I look forward to the release of the updated PPS Sexual Offences Policy coming forward early next year. While we continue to make progress, I would urge anyone who has been a victim of these crimes to please report it to the police. You will be listened to and treated with respect and it is so important that you speak out and report your experience to protect yourself and others."
Bangor Officially Named As A City
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement that Bangor in County Down is to be named a city.
The status was formally bestowed at an official ceremony today, Friday 2 December.
Bangor was one of eight towns elevated to a city in May after a competition to mark the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Alliance North Down representative, Stephen Farry MP said: "I am delighted to see the formal conferment of city status on Bangor. This is a special and select honour for Bangor, and it will forever be especially poignant coming in the year of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Although it has faced challenges, Bangor’s best days are ahead of it and today is an important occasion to recognise the immense talents, opportunities, and heritage that Bangor holds. Bangor has an extensive and diverse history, a vibrant present alongside an exciting future. City status will only help Bangor to capitalise on its full and future potential.”
Belfast City Council has agreed a £1 million fuel poverty hardship fund scheme proposed by Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn.
Under this scheme, eligible households in the Belfast City Council area will be able to apply for one-off £100 payments towards fuel to heat their homes this winter.
Cllr Flynn said "I welcome Council members agreeing a way forward for administration and delivery of a fuel poverty hardship fund in our city, this will provide much needed one-off intervention for those most in need this winter.
"In the wake of the UK government & the DUP's failure to deliver support for the people of NI, the Green Party will do what we can where we can to provide much needed support for the most vulnerable in our society."
Further info on how to apply for this support to come soon.
Latest Sexual Offences Figure Highlight Need For Strategy – SDLP
The latest figures around sexual offences highlights the need for a Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, SDLP Justice Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has said.
It follows the publication of the PPS' annual report on cases involving sexual offences, which shows that in 2021/22, prosecution rates for all sexual offences increased by 8% from the previous year from 23.6% to 31.6%.
The Foyle MLA said: "Sexual offences are truly heinous and terrible crimes and it is incumbent on our justice system to bring the full force of the law to bear on the people behind them. While of course it is welcome that there are signs of gradual improvements in terms of the conviction rate as well as improvements in the time taken to issue decisions, I know that the PPS and its partners recognise that we still have much more to do. This is particularly true when it comes to the amount of time that victims have to wait for prosecutorial decisions in the Crown Court, as they are still waiting for almost a year.
"It's right that we recognise that although these offences do not just impact women and girls, they are disproportionately affected. I believe these statistics show yet more evidence why we need a reformed Executive to deliver a Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, as the responsibility to eradicate these abhorrent crimes does not just rest with our police service or the PPS. This requires change in almost every element of our society, from our education system to misogynistic societal attitudes which are still far too prevalent and fuel this kind of crime.
"I look forward to the release of the updated PPS Sexual Offences Policy coming forward early next year. While we continue to make progress, I would urge anyone who has been a victim of these crimes to please report it to the police. You will be listened to and treated with respect and it is so important that you speak out and report your experience to protect yourself and others."
Bangor Officially Named As A City
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement that Bangor in County Down is to be named a city.
The status was formally bestowed at an official ceremony today, Friday 2 December.
Bangor was one of eight towns elevated to a city in May after a competition to mark the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Alliance North Down representative, Stephen Farry MP said: "I am delighted to see the formal conferment of city status on Bangor. This is a special and select honour for Bangor, and it will forever be especially poignant coming in the year of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Although it has faced challenges, Bangor’s best days are ahead of it and today is an important occasion to recognise the immense talents, opportunities, and heritage that Bangor holds. Bangor has an extensive and diverse history, a vibrant present alongside an exciting future. City status will only help Bangor to capitalise on its full and future potential.”
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20 May 2022
Bangor Awarded City Status
Bangor has been given official City Status as part of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition, Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced. For the first time in a City Status competition, an expert panel worked with Ministers to make their recommendations, before being approved by Her Majesty The Queen.
Bangor Awarded City Status
Bangor has been given official City Status as part of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition, Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced. For the first time in a City Status competition, an expert panel worked with Ministers to make their recommendations, before being approved by Her Majesty The Queen.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
15 March 2004
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
01 February 2024
Significant Progress Made On £1bn Belfast Region City Deal
Belfast City Council has announced that significant progress has been made on the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. Planning has been approved for Newtownabbey's Factory of the Future sit at Global Point and the contract for pre-construction has been awarded for this key component of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Significant Progress Made On £1bn Belfast Region City Deal
Belfast City Council has announced that significant progress has been made on the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. Planning has been approved for Newtownabbey's Factory of the Future sit at Global Point and the contract for pre-construction has been awarded for this key component of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
27 February 2007
Graduates Working Nine To Five
Graduates who have spent the last four months collaborating on a unique venture with local businesses have been formally congratulated on their achievements.
Graduates Working Nine To Five
Graduates who have spent the last four months collaborating on a unique venture with local businesses have been formally congratulated on their achievements.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
