A call has been issued to extend the winter fuel payment to all Northern Ireland households in receipt of Universal Credit.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is under pressure to extend the payment to those on legacy benefits as well.

SDLP representative Mark H Durkan urged the Minister to take action, while also stating his party has produced a number of proposals in its energy costs action plan to try and help people through this difficult period.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "While energy bills are increasing by hundreds of pounds a year, Universal Credit claimants, who are already struggling to get by, have seen their payments cruelly cut by £20 a week by the Tory government and waved through by Sinn Féin. These people were barely able to cover their bills before the recent price hikes and I cannot see how they will able to meet these massive costs.

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"In an attempt to help the people who really need it I'm calling for the winter fuel payment, a modest payment of up to £300, to be extended to all households in receipt of Universal Credit. This money will allow families to top up their gas cards and fill their oil tanks to get them through this winter, then we can focus on tackling the long-term issues around fuel poverty.

"I'm also calling on the Department for Communities to work with the Department for Health to explore how families with children with disabilities can be supported to cope with rising energy costs. It's disgraceful that we are already in the grip of winter and no plan has been forthcoming to help low income families deal with these mounting issues. I will continue lobbying Minister Hargey and doing all I can to secure immediate support for the people who need it most."