Low-income households affected by the rising energy prices were due to receive the payment tomorrow, Thursday 09 March, but will instead secure the funds a day later, Friday 10 March.
SDLP representative Mark H Durkan has criticised Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and her Department for failing to prepare the system for the rollout of the scheme.
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The Foyle MLA said: "I have repeatedly highlighted the importance of getting this money to people quickly. This should have been sorted out before Christmas and now we are looking at a payment to support people through a difficult winter being issued in spring, with fuel escalating in price on a daily basis.
"It is disgraceful that struggling individuals and their families are seemingly being treated as an afterthought by the Minister. Her lack of urgency on such a critical issue is shameful. The SDLP will continue to fight to extend this payment to all households including those in receipt of legacy benefits, putting people first and giving them the help they desperately need.
"This scheme was announced at the beginning of the year it's been dangled in front of freezing families for too long. The latest setback is simply not good enough. People deserve better."
