COVID-19: Update on the Financial Position

Part of Ministerial Statements – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 12:30 pm on 19 May 2020.

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Photo of Justin McNulty Justin McNulty Social Democratic and Labour Party 12:30, 19 May 2020

I thank the Minister for his statement and for his answers so far. It was good to see you out getting your daily exercise at the lake end at the weekend, Minister, socially distancing and keeping healthy.

Minister, I welcome the support for local authorities, many of which have seen a drop in income of up to £1 million a month. Local residents face a reduction in services and potentially face rates hikes. It is positive news that councils can now access the furlough scheme. Can the Minister update the House on plans to support local councils beyond what has been announced today? Will he be providing security for councils to ensure that no further jobs will be lost in local authorities as a consequence of COVID-19?