SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark Durkan has welcomed a hint from Minister Nelson McCausland that the welfare package he intends to bring forward will satisfy concerns, but said it is time people had a positive announcement.

The Social Development, in response to an Assembly Question by Patsy McGlone MLA about the bedroom tax, said that the package of welfare measures he intends to bring forward "will satisfy most if not all of the concerns that people have around a wide range of issues".

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Mr Durkan said: "This is a positive hint from the Minster that he has taken on board the SDLP’s concerns and the concerns others have expressed about the savage Tory welfare cuts. This hint is welcomed but the public need more than hints here and there.

"People are asking questions about how welfare cuts and the bedroom tax will affect them and their loved ones. The Department for Social Development is giving nothing away and as a result, confusion and fear is growing.

"It is time for the Minister to move beyond making positive noises to making positive announcements.

"The SDLP has been consistent in its opposition to the Tory bedroom tax which will affect over 32,000 people in the north, many vulnerable, if it comes into effect. We won’t let this happen and will lodge our petition of concern if necessary to kill it.

"We are hopeful however that the Minister for Social Development has listened and will do the right thing and do it quickly."

(CD/IT)