People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said, “The Council Hardship Fund will help some households facing a financial emergency but nowhere near enough.

The reality is that the fund is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed. “People Before Profit proposed the Hardship Fund because of the level of need within our District – and because of the criminal failure of Westminster and Stormont, when it was sitting, to protect people facing skyrocketing bills. “The SDLP and Sinn Féin have hypocritically tried to outdo each other with claims they are “leading from the front” but they both attempted to block the Hardship Fund proposal, derided it, drastically reduced the amount and claimed it wasn’t necessary. “The DUP has been crowing its support for the fund too but they also attempted to block it. “There’s been a systemic failure by all the big parties to take urgent action on the cost of living crisis. When Stormont was functioning they dragged their feet. They are cynically using the Hardship Fund to cover for their inaction and indifference. “If their Minister’s did more our Council wouldn’t be under so much pressure to help people. The DUP’s selfish boycott is compounding this complete failure. “None of the practical proposals to help households across our District deal with rising costs have come from any of the big parties. They didn’t lead on the cost of living in Stormont and they aren’t leading in the Council. They’re great at proposing letters to Westminster or setting up another taskforce. “We will try to make sure the Council Hardship Fund is as effective as possible and will push for further funding to be added – but the Hardship Fund should embarrass government into action. “There are many proposals for how to protect households from hardship – but it will require a political upheaval. Elites can’t be allowed to fill their bank accounts on the back of slashing wages, benefits and services. Redistribution of wealth and power will only come from a people power rising.”