SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood
This comes after Colum Eastwood discussed the crisis with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Derry at the weekend.
Mr Eastwood will make the case for emergency legislation to unlock the millions of pounds in Stormont to help people struggling.
Said the Foyle MP: “People cannot hold out against the rapidly rising cost of living. Bills are spiralling out of control for families who are already struggling. Politicians need to act.
“The SDLP is bitterly disappointed that Speaker Alex Maskey blocked our emergency legislation from proceeding in Stormont and the DUP walked out of government making urgent action more difficult.
“For months we have been pressing the Sinn Féin Finance and Communities Ministers to extend the energy payment scheme to every household, so everyone can get money in their pocket like people have been given in the south and in Britain.
“It’s not good enough to tell people to grit their teeth and bare it.
“The SDLP has published a cost of living plan and our Deputy Leader is working with parties across these islands to find solutions.
“I am now set to formally engage with the British Government and present our draft bill to the Secretary of State, urging him to do the job others wouldn’t in these circumstances and unlock the £300million sitting in Stormont’s bank account.
“Enough is enough. This is how we are putting people first.
“The SDLP’s priority today, tomorrow and day one in the new Assembly will be to put money back into people’s pockets.
“We need to act now,” added Mr Eastwood.
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