SDLP South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole has said that the further hikes in the price of electricity announced today will push more families into poverty. It comes after Power NI announced price rises that will impact more than 461,000 households.

Mr. O’Toole said:

“Today’s news of a further eye-watering price hike will deal yet another hammer blow to families and individuals right across Northern Ireland at a time when they are already struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table. People everywhere are already at their wit’s end and have been crying out for support for months.

“In the midst of the worst cost-of-living crisis for a generation, it is disgraceful that the DUP is playing politics and still refusing to enter the Executive, abandoning the people of Northern Ireland when they need the help of their government most. Consumers across Northern Ireland need a functioning Executive that is on their side and will take the necessary steps to deal with this emergency.  That’s why the SDLP published our six-point Cost-of-Living Action Plan that would put money back in people’s pockets.

“Instead of manufacturing a crisis over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the DUP should tackle the real crisis facing our communities by getting back to work and nominating a Speaker and Deputy First Minister.”