SDLP Foyle MLA and Communities spokesperson Mark H Durkan
However, he criticised the delay to protect some of the most vulnerable in society.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The protections brought forward today are well-meaning and welcome. However, the rescue mission to undo the harm caused by welfare reform, a policy which the SDLP forewarned of and Sinn Féin, the DUP and Alliance voted for, is long overdue.
“The Bedroom Tax should never have come to pass, in fact members of the Minister’s own party gave categorical assurances that it would never reach our shores. It seems this policy was so bad, they binned it twice.
“Sinn Fein and the DUP created the cliff edge when it suited them and now, rather than own up to the hypocrisy of their actions they pat themselves on the back for a job well done.
“I find the grandstanding from the Minister on ‘delivery for vulnerable people’ difficult to comprehend when her party voted for Bedroom Tax and Welfare Reform and in doing so subjected thousands of households here to the worst of Tory austerity.
“Political stalemate further delayed the progression of vital welfare mitigation legislation.
“Meanwhile, people are left to suffer and despite the Minister issuing the same copy/paste response, support especially for families not in receipt of benefits simply isn’t cutting it.
“I know Discretionary Support was lauded as a coverall support mechanism however, I’ve had a couple of families contact me directly this week sitting with no heat in their homes who have been refused one penny of support under this crisis support scheme.
“Efforts to support those most in need must be immediate to maximise its impact.
“So, while eventual action to scrap the Bedroom Tax as well as close the loopholes is welcome, the dither and delay in the interim has resulted in millions of unspent funds which would’ve provided some assistance to people caught in the grips of a cost of living crisis.
“This matter has been put to bed for now but regrettably we can’t undo the damage it has already caused for countless people here or rule out a future minister here or, more likely elsewhere, removing these protections.
“This Bill will undoubtedly help those who need it however, prioritising the needs of vulnerable households should’ve been treated with greater urgency.
“Now is the time to put party politics aside; to work together to ensure delivery for everyone struggling to make ends meet amid the cost of living crisis.”
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