People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has branded the fuel price hikes an emergency situation and called for an immediate recall of the Assembly to address it.
”People across the North are facing into a winter of financial crisis because of rising fuel prices. This situation has become an emergency and it is utterly unacceptable that we have not seen urgent proposals from the Executive to address it.
”Fuel price hikes cannot be allowed to go ahead unmitigated. Over 300,000 people already live in poverty and this latest surge will throw thousands more into crisis, leaving overstretched food banks empty and greater levels of child poverty.
”The Stormont Executive, who don’t even have a functioning fuel poverty strategy, have failed communities. They must recognise this emergency and introduce urgent measures, such as immediately extending the winter fuel payment scheme. Therefore, I am calling for an emergency recall of the Assembly.
”It’s time to put divisive politics to one side, and to deliver vital financial aid to those who have been punished by bottom wages, cuts, and rising costs for far too long.”
ENDS