CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement is aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis but what impact will it have locally? On a positive note, new cost-of-living payments will see struggling households receive cash handouts to help them through the winter. Millions on means-tested benefits will receive a £900 payment, pensioners will get £300, and those with disabilities £150. If […]
Heating oil payment doubles to £200 but problems remain
THE new heating oil package for the North will be doubled from £100 to £200 and paid ‘to all households’, but exactly when people will get it is the big issue. The oil payment was announced last Thursday by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as part of his Autumn Statement, and the Treasury said the payment would be […]
Food Bank swamped as demand rises by 77 per cent
THE number of food parcels distributed in Fermanagh has surged by 77 per cent leaving the local organisation overwhelmed by the demand and pensioners being hit the hardest. Compared to the same period in 2021, it’s an enormous rise, explained John Shades, manager of Enniskillen Food Bank, and one they could never have predicted. “It’s […]
Fermanagh is ‘happiest place to live’ in the North
THERE’S no place like home, and this was confirmed after a new study found Fermanagh to be the ‘happiest place to live’ in the North. Gold payment platform Glint carried out extensive research on the best and worst places to buy a house in the UK. Data was collected on average salary, average house price, […]
Nurses’ strike goes ahead with other unions to follow
NURSES in the North have voted to strike over pay with thousands more NHS workers being balloted for strike action this week. The walkout, expected to start by the end of the year, will involve Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members in hospitals and community teams, but emergency care will still be staffed. NHS workers in roles […]
Why Fermanagh house sellers don’t need to panic
“The forecast in Fermanagh isn’t as negative as it’s being portrayed in the UK. We’re actually getting some normality back into the local market.”
Nurses to strike for more pay before Christmas
When the strikes take place, they will affect non-urgent but not emergency care.
Tributes to much loved Enniskillen woman Mena Blake
“She always put the needs of others before herself. Even during her illness she never complained and just got on with it.”
Which soccer clubs add the most value to the community?
A NEW study, conducted by the Irish FA in collaboration with UEFA, has shown the real value that two soccer clubs have brought to their community in Fermanagh. The Irish FA has been working with football clubs at all levels across Northern Ireland to demonstrate their value within their communities. Its Social Return on Investment […]
Coroner’s ruling gives Donohoe campaign ‘hope’
THE news that Coroner Joe McCrisken has ruled that an inquest into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe should be held with a jury has given the campaign ‘hope’ a local politician said. Noah (14) was found dead in a storm drain in Belfast in June, 2020 six days after he went missing as […]