Latest releases
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11 releases
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Doherty named as Right to Food Commissioner
SDLP councillor Paul Doherty says he has been named to the Right to Food Commission, which will gather evidence across Britain and the North on hunger and foodbanks. He says he will represent the North and push for policy shaped by people with lived experience of poverty.
Social security and welfare Local government Issue: Right to Food Commission launch at Westminster Original release: Doherty named as Right to Food Commissioner (opens in a new tab)
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Doherty: No surprise at high deprivation levels
SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty says Queen's University research showing 25% deprivation across the North is unsurprising, blaming underinvestment in public services, jobs and housing. He calls for the Executive to produce an anti-poverty strategy.
Social security and welfare Economy and employment Issue: Queen's University research on deprivation levels across the North Original release: Doherty: No surprise at high deprivation levels (opens in a new tab)
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Mulholland welcomes Minister Lyons’ clarification on Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Alliance Poverty spokesperson Sian Mulholland MLA welcomes the Communities Minister's clarification that a new Anti-Poverty Strategy is expected to launch in January 2025, and says it must be fully funded and cross-departmental.
Social security and welfare Issue: Minister Lyons Anti-Poverty Strategy timeline clarification in Adjournment Debate Original release: Mulholland welcomes Minister Lyons’ clarification on Anti-Poverty Strategy. (opens in a new tab)
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Work needed to address growing levels of child poverty – Gildernew
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew says work is needed to tackle growing child poverty after the Comptroller and Auditor General published a report on the issue. He calls on the Minister for Communities to make it a key priority while the Anti-Poverty Strategy is finalised.
Social security and welfare Issue: Comptroller and Auditor General report on child poverty Original release: Work needed to address growing levels of child poverty – Gildernew (opens in a new tab)
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Dramatic increase in foodbank demand in North Belfast shocking and upsetting, says Nelson
Alliance Councillor Sam Nelson says he is shocked by an 80% rise in users of the North Belfast Foodbank over the past year, with around 3,000 people fed and child users doubling. He calls for an Executive to be restored and for social security failures to be addressed.
Social security and welfare Issue: North Belfast Foodbank demand increase reported in past year Original release: Dramatic increase in foodbank demand in North Belfast shocking and upsetting, says Nelson (opens in a new tab)
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Most vulnerable in society will continue to be hit hardest as financial pressures continue, says Armstrong
Alliance spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA says the most vulnerable will keep being hit hardest as financial pressures grow, citing a Trussell Trust report finding one in six people in Northern Ireland face hunger. She urges the DUP to put people ahead of political games and restore the…
Social security and welfare Economy and employment Issue: Trussell Trust Hunger in Northern Ireland report Original release: Most vulnerable in society will continue to be hit hardest as financial pressures continue, says Armstrong (opens in a new tab)
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Green Party welcomes Audit Office intervention in fuel poverty hardship fund
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn welcomes the Audit Office's decision to investigate Belfast City Council's use of community groups to distribute fuel poverty hardship fund vouchers. He says the Greens had warned about capacity risks and called for a review of those groups, and criticises the…
Social security and welfare Local government Issue: Audit Office request for Fuel Poverty Hardship Fund independent review Original release: Green Party welcomes Audit Office intervention in fuel poverty hardship fund (opens in a new tab)
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Free school meal payments over summer holidays welcome- Sheehan - Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan welcomes confirmation that summer holiday payments will continue for around 100,000 children and their families. He urges the DUP to end its boycott of the Executive and Assembly so a permanent scheme can be delivered.
Social security and welfare Education Issue: Education Minister's summer school holiday food grant announcement Original release: Free school meal payments over summer holidays welcome- Sheehan - Sinn Féin (opens in a new tab)
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Others should follow Education Minister's positive example
Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds welcomes Education Minister Michelle McIlveen's announcement of a £12.6million holiday food grant for families of children entitled to free school meals this summer. She urges other parties and ministers to follow that example, criticising them for blaming others.
Social security and welfare Public finance and taxation Issue: Education Minister's summer school holiday food grant announcement Original release: Others should follow Education Minister's positive example (opens in a new tab)
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Summer Food Payment Clarity Welcomed
Green Party councillor Brian Smyth welcomes the Education Minister's announcement of a £12.6million summer school holiday food grant, paying £13.50 per week for each eligible child from 1 July to 31 August. He calls for long-term action on child poverty, low wages and social security reform.
Social security and welfare Economy and employment Issue: Education Minister's summer school holiday food grant announcement Original release: Summer Food Payment Clarity Welcomed (opens in a new tab)
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McCrossan welcomes summer free school meals payment
SDLP Education Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan welcomes £12.6m for summer holiday payments to families of children receiving free school meals, but says support must continue for the rest of the year. He calls on the DUP to return to Stormont to secure longer-term funding.
Social security and welfare Education Issue: Education Minister's summer school holiday food grant announcement Original release: McCrossan welcomes summer free school meals payment (opens in a new tab)