Council to progress Hardship Fund plans

Mayor Brian Tierney at the launch of the St. Vincent de Paul/Salvation Army Christmas Family Appeal. Included, from right are Julia Mapstone, Salvation Army, Martha O'Donnell (SVdP, Strabane) and Carol McGeady (SVdP, Derry). (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Derry & Strabane Councillors are to proceed with the first stage of a hardship fund initiative which will involve backing a Christmas campaign by the Salvation Army and St Vincent dePaul.

The second stage, which will take longer, will involve developing and establishing a local hardship fund for the medium term.

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy, told Councillors on the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee that the Council’s Welfare Reform group felt the Council should work with organisations that are already supporting people, and longer term take advice on the establishment of a hardship fund.

Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy, proposing the Council move forward with this approach, said there are really good organisations locally doing exceptional work that the Council could work with in the run up to Christmas, and in relation to the second, longer-term goal: “I know from my own experience that January is a very bleak month, so if we can provide a hardship fund in the new year that would probably be the most welcome time.”

DUP Alderman Hilary McClintock was in agreement with Colr. Duffy, and seconded the proposal, while PBP Councillor Shaun Harkin felt the issue needed help from the Executive. “People are expecting more radical action and don’t want to see something that is re-packaged and is already in existence,” he said.

SDLP Colr. Rory Farrell, a member of the working group which developed the plans, said: “Christmas is in three weeks and we have to do something to help people in need. The common sense solution to that was to support the existing appeal of the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.”

DUP Alderman Maurice Devenney, who also sits on the group, added: “The one thing about the hardship fund is that we want to get it right.”

The Council backed the plans unanimously.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter