Sinn Féin has met with Firmus Energy to challenge the "extortionate" gas price hikes affecting families and businesses over the last few months.

MLA Ciara Ferguson, who met with the energy provider, called for more to be done to support struggling workers and families.

The Foyle MLA said: "Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has stepped up and delivered an extra £200 payment to help over 280,000 people to heat their homes. 

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"More needs to be done. The British government has the money to increase support for people and I am reiterating the call on them to scrap VAT on energy bills to immediately cut household costs.

"They should also introduce a windfall tax on energy companies who are making huge profits with the money raised being redirected towards tackling fuel poverty and supporting families.  

"This has been a difficult winter for many families, and we need to look at all measures to try to limit the impact and ensure people can heat their homes and put food on the table."