A plea has been made to Stormont Ministers to take action and address the cost of living crisis facing households across Northern Ireland.

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi met with caretaker Ministers in Northern Ireland yesterday, 10 August.

SDLP Opposition MLAs also liaised with a number of organisations at Stormont to discuss the impact of the energy, food and fuel costs crisis on people across NI.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has called on Stormont and Whitehall Ministers to take the cost of living crisis seriously.

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Speaking from Stormont, Mr O'Toole said: "The hard truth is that this crisis is going to get worse. Energy prices are predicted to increase further, interest rates are going up and it's going to make life incredibly difficult for thousands of people. We have heard testimony from people with disabilities about their fears for the months ahead and a difficult winter. We've spoken to retail sector representatives who are worried about the viability of local businesses. And we've heard from trade unions about the low wage crisis facing workers in almost every sector.

"It is astounding, and frankly pathetic, therefore to hear the Economy Minister suggest that the failure to get support to people who need it is unlinked to the absence of government in Northern Ireland that is being perpetuated by his party.

"It is far beyond time that political leaders here got back to work. Opposition MLAs are doing our jobs at Stormont and we'll continue to produce proposals to get money into the pockets of people who need it. It is time that the DUP got on with their own jobs too."