Extension of welfare mitigations welcomed, but more clarity needed – Armstrong

Alliance spokesperson on welfare, Kellie Armstrong MLA, has welcomed the announcement of an extension of welfare mitigations to the bedroom tax, but says more clarity is needed. Kellie Armstrong said: “This announcement of an additional £23 million to protect people from the bedroom tax is welcome news to the 38,000 households who would be affected. […]

New Alliance Councillor selected for Castlereagh East

The Alliance Party has selected Sharon Lowry to replace Tim Morrow, who has resigned as Councillor for Castlereagh East, which comes under Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.   Mrs Lowry, who has lived in Dundonald for 11 years, works as the Alliance Party General Manager, and previously worked for the Northern Ireland Local Government Association […]

All party approach needed on waiting lists

Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has warned that the huge increase in Emergency Department waiting times requires all parties to show they are prepared to make tough decisions around health transformation on behalf of the public. The South Belfast MLA stated: “The appalling waiting times now experienced at hospital Emergency Departments, sometimes over 24 hours, […]

Vital regulations changed to introduce Changing Places toilets, says Armstrong

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said it is vital building regulations are changed to ensure Changing Places toilets are included in the design of all public buildings. Mrs Armstrong, Chair of the Assembly’s All-Party on Disability, was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Conor Murphy on his Department’s policy on retrofitting all public and Government buildings […]

Request to light up Council offices defeated

At the last meeting of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, (28 January), a DUP member requested that the Lagan Valley Island centre be lit up on 31st January to celebrate the UK leaving the EU. Alliance Councillor Sorcha Eastwood spoke against the request, saying it was disappointing that the building be politicised and that the […]