Former Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Brian Tierney
Councillors unanimously backed an SDLP motion on Monday evening supporting the party’s call for the British Government to reverse its decision to remove £20 per week from Universal Credit claimants.
The motion called for Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to work with party colleague and Finance Minister Conor Murphy to find the £55m needed to retain the uplift for the rest of the financial year in the absence of a u-turn at Westminster.
It also called for a long-term strategy to address poverty and social deprivation across the North.
Said Councillor Tierney: “There are thousands of people across Derry and Strabane who will be directly hit as a result of the British Government’s cruel £1040 a year cut to Universal Credit.
“It’s welcome all councillors acknowledged the impact this cut will have on vulnerable people here and backed our call to do everything we can to stop it.
“This cut could not have come at a worse time.
“Since the initial £20 increase was introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic the cost of living has risen across the board.
“Groceries and other essential products are costing more than ever before while utilities have also risen to record prices.
“The British Government care little for the people of Derry and Strabane.
“We need local action to protect local people from a cut they simply cannot afford.
“Minister Hargey must use the welfare powers she has and go to her party colleague Conor Murphy to demand he provides the money needed to stop this cut.
“To some people £20 a week might not seem like a lot of money but to people struggling in this community and across the North it could be the difference between turning the heating on during a cold winter’s night or putting presents under the Christmas tree.
“We need to see a long-term strategy to address our shameful levels of poverty that rank amongst the worst in Europe.”
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