Local SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin expressed concern following the results of a new study that revealed up to 45% of NI households are now struggling with fuel poverty while 28% are in extreme fuel poverty.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Over the last number of months, my constituency office has been inundated with people recounting harrowing stories of being forced between heating and eating as even those who are working every hour possible struggle to cope with spiralling costs.
“These stark statistics paint a dismal picture.
“It is even more worrying to consider that families are finding themselves in this position at the height of summer as all the evidence points to a very difficult winter ahead for the people of Derry.
“It is utterly shameful that at a time when people across Derry are being plunged into this level of poverty, they are being left without any support from their government which is mired in dysfunction.
“How can anyone look at these statistics and believe boycotting the Assembly is truly serving the interests of the people they represent?
“The SDLP has put forward an alternative, proposing a cost-of-living action plan that would free up hundreds of millions of pounds and get support to people who are in desperate need.
“In the first instance, we urgently need to see an Executive formed at Stormont so that politicians can do the job that they were elected to do and get help to people in these desperate circumstances.”
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