Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed a roll back in the law that will see entertainers and musicians qualify for the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme. The move came after a legal challenge as taken against a blanket ban on live music in Northern Ireland, leaving all those involved in the industry financially at a loss. […]
Alliance Communities Spokesperson Kellie Armstrong has said time is running out to protect the benefits of over 40,000 people in Northern Ireland. Kellie was speaking after raising concerns there are only seven weeks left to mitigate against the worst effects of what could happen if a new plan is not brought forward and confirmed. She […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has questioned if the Department for Communities intends to deliver youth employment programmes after receiving confirmation tenders for an employment scheme have been paused. The Work Ready Employment Service is designed to help those who have lost their jobs, but are ready to start work in a similar or […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has welcomed confirmation those undergoing benefit appeals will receive a COVID-19 heating payment if they are successful in the process. The Department for Communities provided a one-off heating payment of £200 for those who are in receipt of certain higher rate disability benefits. Payments were due to be made […]
Alliance Chief Whip Kellie Armstrong has said she is delighted after the Assembly backed her suggestion to allow MLAs to take part in plenary debate remotely. Last month, the Strangford MLA wrote to the Assembly’s Committee for Procedures, as the current software system in Parliament Buildings allows for MLAs to take part in Committees remotely […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said the independent advice sector needs financial support to secure its survival. The Strangford MLA was speaking after the draft Budget from the Department for Communities was shown to MLAs, proposing a £1.5 million reduction in funding for the independent advice sector, with organisation Advice NI saying it […]
Unless more money is found for the Department for Communities’ Budget, people in Northern Ireland will be further disadvantaged, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. Ms Armstrong was speaking after the Budget papers were presented to MLAs at the Assembly’s Communities Committee meeting. She said the Communities Minister and Finance Minister needed to […]
Alliance MLAs have welcomed legislation from the Justice Minister bringing new laws on domestic abuse, saying it is more important than ever due to the pandemic. Speaking during the final stage of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill, Kellie Armstrong MLA and John Blair MLA praised Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA and others for […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson, Kellie Armstrong MLA, is encouraging charities to submit an application to the Dormant Accounts Fund NI which is now open. Community Fund, who are managing the grant, have confirmed organisations can apply for grants of up to £100,000 as part of the first phase to support activity that improves long-term capacity, sustainability […]
Alliance MP Stephen Farry has called for the European Commission and the UK Government to jointly address some of the issues currently affecting trade flows into Northern Ireland, through additional flexibilities and derogations. The North Down MP said some problems being experienced had arose from a lack of planning and information given on short notice, […]