NICS jobs must be retained in Upper Bann

Carla Lockhart MP • October 3, 2023

DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that plans by the Department of Finance to vacate Marlborough House in Craigavon by the end of 2025 must not see civil servant posts lost in the area. The local representative made the call following correspondence from the Department of Finance outlining its plans for Marlborough House.

Commenting, Mrs Lockhart said:

 

“The retention of public sector jobs in the Upper Bann area is vital.

 

I know that amongst the current NICS staff cohort working out of Marlborough House there is concern that as the DoF plan to vacate their premises at Craigavon, jobs may be moved out of the area altogether. That is something that must not happen. These jobs are vital to the local job market, to the local economy, and as such I will be fighting to ensure that the Department of Finance plan to keep these jobs local, and that in vacating a building they do not vacate the area. 

 

I will be engaging with the Department on this matter as we move towards December 2025 which is the deadline indicated by the DoF to leave Marlborough House. I am committed to retaining these jobs, and will work tirelessly to this end.”

Share

Carla Lockhart MP Tables Parliamentary Motion Opposing Mandatory Digital ID Across the UK

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.

Carla Lockhart MP Stands with the Parkinson’s Community

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Community Spirit During Busy Saturday in Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.

Celebrating 90 Years of Hart Memorial Primary School

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.

Action on HMOs in Upper Bann Welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.

Funding Boost for Upper Bann Marching Bands

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 

Carla Lockhart MP Stands with WASPI Women

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.

Statement from Carla Lockhart MP Following Incident in Lurgan

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 19, 2025
New Title

MP honoured to join McKeever family to welcome Royal visitors

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

MP’s warning on need for bee inspector well-founded

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.