More people in Northern Ireland are finding it increasingly difficult to pay household rates because of the recession and Tory austerity policies, according to Sinn Féin.

MLA Daithí McKay said there has been a six-fold increase in the number of people forced to seek special arrangements for household rates payments due to financial difficulties.

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He said: "Last year court action was taken by Land and Property Services against almost 49,000 households who found themselves in arrears.

"These increasing debts are an indication of the pressure families are under as a result of Tory cuts and austerity."

(CD/JP)