A call has been issued for the temporary suspension of VAT costs on energy bills in Northern Ireland as part of an effort to help struggling families and businesses.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has made the plea to the Treasury in response to the spiralling energy prices. He has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury asking that the VAT costs of 5% for domestic users and 20% for business are waived for a period of time.

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"The cost of living crisis is severely impacting many of our citizens, causing further hardship for families and businesses during an already difficult time," Minister Murphy said.

"Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen workers, businesses and families struggle immensely. Many will now continue to face significant financial challenges as we move through the winter period, with households and businesses coming under even more pressure given spiralling energy prices.

"I am calling on Treasury to act now and suspend VAT on energy bills temporarily to support the many families and businesses facing a very uncertain winter."