The Economy Minister must outline her plans for the high street and tourism voucher schemes, given the new COVID restrictions, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. The party’s Economy spokesperson said the schemes, announced late last year, still had several questions outstanding. He has now written to Economy Minister Diane Dodds, seeking clarity. “The Finance […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed an announcement a support scheme for so-called ‘wet pubs’ will commence next week but said the delay has been a “long and distressing process”. Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced the roll-out of the scheme would begin on January 11. It will see pubs only serving alcohol which […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed his concern parcel services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain are being disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. “Unfortunately, we still have a great deal of uncertainty facing us with regards to how the Protocol will function, and how Brexit will impact Northern Ireland. This is what has led […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed a commitment from Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend furlough until the end of April. Mr Dickson said the Economy Minister should follow his example and review the current schemes in operation as we head towards a tough third wave in the fight against Covid-19. He added: “Today’s announcement from […]
Alliance representatives have called on the Economy and Infrastructure Ministers to urgently agree a support package for taxi drivers and operators in need of assistance during the pandemic. Andrew Muir MLA and Stewart Dickson MLA were speaking after meetings of the Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committees today (Wednesday) where the issue was discussed. A support […]
Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called for legislation on gift cards to be introduced in Northern Ireland to protect consumers, after it emerged Topshop, part of the Arcadia group, has introduced new rules restricting the use of vouchers for shoppers, having gone into administration. The Arcadia group of shops, which includes Topshop, Dorothy […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has urged the Economy Minister to stand up for fair redundancies for those currently employed by Debenhams and the Arcadia Group. Debenhams stores are set to close, with Arcadia – owner of shops such as Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins – has gone into administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk. […]
North Down Alliance MP, Stephen Farry, has stressed the importance of strategically investing additional spend in the necessary transformation of society and the economy, after the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many structural weaknesses. Mr Farry was speaking after the Spending Review statement from the UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday. Stephen Farry said: “The Covid […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has pledged her support to a campaign trying to prevent pubs going out of existence during the pandemic. The party’s Communities spokesperson said CAMRA NI’s Save Our Pubs campaign, which is calling for a long-term financial support package from the Executive to support pubs, breweries and local producers, as well as […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed news the current Covid-19 self-isolation grant is set to be enhanced. The Alliance Party’s Communities spokesperson was speaking after the Minister revealed the improved scheme will increase the daily allowance payable and extend the number of days for which a grant can be awarded. She said: “Whilst Northern Ireland […]