Debate contribution: Cost-of-living Crisis

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 21 April 2026.

MLA

Ms Diana Armstrong

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

21 April 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Opposition Business

Heading

Cost-of-living Crisis

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5497593

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Deputy Speaker. We represent the same constituency, but we are slightly different in some ways. However, that is what people like, and that is what people elect us for. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and thank you, Deborah, for giving way. There is no doubt that workers, families and business owners right across Northern Ireland face real and immediate concerns and pressures as a result of the rising living costs. While we have seen some easing in the home heating oil prices, those costs remain at over £900 for 900 litres, far above pre-March levels, and any downward movement is simply not happening quickly enough. That reality is putting severe pressure on household budgets and on the viability of many small and medium-sized businesses. There is no question that the ongoing instability in the Middle East is exacerbating an already fragile situation. Global events do not occur in isolation, as we saw following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. International conflict quickly translates into higher prices at home. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has again exposed how vulnerable our fuel supply chains are, with many people now restricting journeys to absolute essentials because of escalating costs. However, the debate must remain focused on the practical impacts for our constituents. We do not believe that it is helpful for the Assembly to seek to adjudicate on the legality of international conflicts. What is beyond dispute is that global instability has direct consequences for households, and it is those consequences that demand our attention today.

The Ulster Unionist Party is focused on outcomes rather than political point-scoring. The reality is that the primary levers of taxation and fiscal policy lie with the UK Government, and it is right that Westminster is called upon to act decisively. Measures such as temporary fuel relief, duty reductions, windfall taxes, energy drives and targeted cost-of-living support are clearly matters for the Chancellor. That said, where devolved powers exist, they must be exercised responsibly and without delay. The Executive simply cannot pass the blame elsewhere. We have heard blame being apportioned widely here this morning in the Chamber. The delayed response from the Minister for Communities and the Minister for the Economy has unquestionably added to the pressures facing local households and businesses, particularly in relation to support for those who are reliant on heating oil. The UUP acknowledges that the home heating oil scheme is welcome, but the delay in its implementation is surely indicative of the pace at which decisions are made in this place. We support the call for rural fuel duty relief as a time-limited measure to ease immediate pressures, especially for farmers who are facing spiralling fuel and fertiliser costs. Failure to act risks reduced agricultural output, higher food prices and long-term threats to food security. At a time of severe financial constraint, Ministers should work collectively to identify savings, establish emergency support where necessary and focus on those who are under the greatest strain, including workers in domiciliary care who continue to do essential work while facing significantly higher travel costs. Finally, I welcome the UK Government's action, including the extension of the British industrial competitiveness scheme to Northern Ireland and targeted payments for lower-income households. Those demonstrate that coordinated action between Westminster and Stormont can deliver real relief. I will finish with the position of the Ulster Unionist Party on the motion and the amendment. Although we agree with 90% of the motion, we cannot support a finger-pointing exercise in this place and one that underpins the illegality of a war that we are not involved in.

600 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:21 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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