Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA and all Alliance Councillors have called for both the Department of the Economy and Communities to act now to avoid massive rate hikes being imposed across Northern Ireland next year. Kellie said a robust rates forecasting model must now be put in place after Solace, a collection of the […]
It is vital money promised from the UK Government gets to the arts sector as quickly as possible, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. Local arts will receive £33 million as part of a support package for arts venues aimed at theatres, music, museums and galleries. Arts leaders had previously warned the sector […]
The recommendations of a new report which states radical changes are needed to the universal credit system should be implemented, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. The report, commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and co-authored by researchers from the University of York and Ulster University, says changes such as ending the five-week […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has called for additional benefit support provided during the pandemic to be extended for a further three months. A number of benefits provided by the Department for Communities during the coronavirus crisis are due to end, with weekly food parcels for those without a shielding letter already stopping last […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said transparency is key in public life after a report found the public sector must change ‘cultural barriers’ stopping concerns from the public and workers being listened to and acted on. The report from the Audit Office, entitled Raising Concerns, looked at issues in the public sector here and how […]
There is a need for ‘transitional protection’ to ensure those moving from legacy benefits onto universal credit do not lose out, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. The Department of Communities has confirmed its planned move to universal credit for all claimants, due in January 2021, has been postponed. This means anyone on […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for clarity from the Ministers of Health, Education and the Economy for those due back to work without childcare or daycare provision being in place. The Strangford MLA said she had been contacted by many parents and carers concerned by the lack of clarification by Ministers about the impact […]
Alliance Chief Whip Kellie Armstrong MLA has asked other parties to back her suggestion for the Assembly to continue meeting over the summer. Last month, the Strangford MLA made the formal request to Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey, with the matter due to be decided at this week’s Assembly Business Committee. The Assembly is due to […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has thanked all those helping support the community during the coronavirus pandemic, as Volunteers’ Week 2020 takes place. The week is an annual celebration of the contribution of millions of people make through volunteering. Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said it was more important than ever to recognise volunteers across the UK […]
Alliance Communities Spokesperson Kellie Armstrong has urged the Minister to Northern Ireland’s growing housing problem a priority. The MLA for Strangford was speaking as the Housing Bill was introduced to the Assembly, aiming to take forward a change to the way housing associations are designated. She said: “Everyone has the right to safe and appropriate […]