Political News
Starmer announces £17m allocation to support NI households with home heating oil prices
The Executive have criticised a £17m funding package to support households in Northern Ireland with the price of home heating oil, saying it “falls far short of what is required”. The Prime Minister announced the allocation on Monday.
Stormont politicians pay rise of £14,000 will go ahead, says Independent Remuneration Board
Stormont MLAs will receive a £14,000 pay rise from April 1, the Independent Remuneration Board has confirmed. Their salaries will now be £67,200 – a 26.8% increase.
First Minister criticised for not attending UK security briefings on situation in Middle East
First Minister Michelle O’Neill has been criticised for not attending security briefings held by the UK Government on the situation in the Middle East. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has been attending with other ministers from devolved governments.
Your Representatives
Councils are responsible for local services such as waste collection, leisure centres, parks, planning, environmental health and community development. They cannot make laws. Councillors are elected using Single Transferable Vote (STV) every four years.
The Assembly is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland, based at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. There are 90 members that are elected from 18 constituencies. The MLAs make laws on devolved matters such as health, education, justice, infrastructure and agriculture. MLAs are elected every five years using STV.
The UK Parliament is the highest legislative authority and NI is represented by 18 Members of Parliament. MPs make decision on reserved and excepted matters, which include defence, foreign policy, immigration and taxation and welfare. MPs are elected every five years in a general election using First Past the Post (FPTP).