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Cost of Living

The cheapest places for home heating oil in Northern Ireland as new month starts with price drop
Cost of Living
Prices are slowly reducing as we inch closer to spring
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The household appliances that are costing you money even when they're not in use
Your Money
The average person is spending between £70 - £120 on something that they aren't even utilising
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No Smoking Month: Top tips to help you kick the habit for good
Health
“We would encourage any smoker who is ready to quit, or even curious about giving it a go, to make March their month.”
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"We propose going for a more affordable model" - Belfast Mayor swaps Audi for Kia
Belfast City Council
"To replace the current vehicle with the same model, the total cost is estimated at £67,180 over four years"
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Stormont winter fuel one-off payment to be in banks by end of March, MLAs told
Labour Party
"There are an estimated 179,000 households in Northern Ireland expected to receive this payment"
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Stormont school uniforms cap "could be in relation to numbers of branded items"
Education
"Schools will have to consult with parents and pupils, and then publish the rationale and cost of their uniforms"
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Move to Universal Credit announced for those in receipt of Income Support
Benefits
Those receiving a Migration Notice will have three months from the date of their letter to make a claim to UC
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How what you pay or get for free in Northern Ireland varies from England, Scotland and Wales
NHS
There are different rules on everything from free school meals to stamp duty, depending on if you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
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We compare prices at Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys to see who offers best value for money
Cost of Living
One supermarket was actually found to be cheaper than it was 9 months ago
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DWP PIP and DLA payment rates from April 2025 - how much you will be paid
Benefits
The DWP has confirmed the payment rates for PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance that will start from April 7
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Northern Ireland's lowest earning households have just £52 per week after bills
Cost of Living
From July to September 2024, the lowest earning households spent 49% of their basic spending on essentials
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Belfast councillor calls for return of holiday hunger payments as families going without food
Cost of Living
"We have seen little to no action when it comes to the issue impacting most in our communities right now - poverty."
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I'm a boiler expert and here's 3 simple tricks that save £700 a year
Energy prices
The winter months are tough on heating bills but there are ways you can reduce the amount you spend
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Carrickfergus woman starts food bank to tackle local poverty after own experience
Cost of Living
The food bank on North Road is open every Friday, with donations accepted over the weekend
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Northern Ireland free school meals reform needed as many children in poverty not eligible
Education
Currently 25% of children in Northern Ireland are living in poverty
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How to make home feel 5C warmer without touching thermostat using hotel method
Cost of Living
As temperatures plummet, many people are tempted to crank up the heating - but there are some more budget-friendly ways to keep your home warm and cosy
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DWP benefits set to increase in April and here's exactly how much you'll get
Benefits
Here is a list of which benefits are rising, and by how much
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Increase in women behind bars "tallies" with economic crisis in NI, suggests Justice Minister
Cost of Living
The number of women locked up in Northern Ireland has trebled in just a few years
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Sinn Féin blocks upgrade to Belfast Mayor's car to get "more details"
Belfast City Council
Belfast Council to spend around £2.2 million on new vehicles
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Northern Ireland student maintenance loans increase to help with living costs
Cost of Living
The increase will provide students with an estimated extra £50 million each year
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'I moved from Spain to Ireland - there are many positives but one big drawback'
Cost of Living
A Spanish woman went viral after sharing her candid thoughts on moving to Ireland and whether she believes it's worth it - she debunked a slew of misconceptions
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NI Housing Executive announces increase in rent for all tenants
Cost of Living
"We understand that any increase in rent may be challenging for some tenants..."
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Northern Ireland union says leaving £100 winter fuel payment until spring is an 'unacceptable failure'
Cost of Living
It was revealed this week the one-off payment had not begun rolling out yet
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Minister reveals no Northern Ireland pensioners have yet received one-off £100 fuel payment
Cost of Living
The new payment was announced last year for those missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment
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