Alliance has said that the Department for Communities' (DfC) new safety plans to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister.

The new safety plans were created following the Improving Safety in High Rise Residential Buildings in Northern Ireland report, which was developed in response to the Grenfell tragedy. The DfC will seek the safety views of residents of high rise buildings.

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The party's Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA said "Alliance recognises the need for this legislation and improved safety measures" to protect owners of flats in high rise buildings.

In a statement, Kellie Armstrong MLA said:

"Where significant adaptations are needed to comply with future legislation, there needs to be the option for the Housing Executive to be able to buy back flats or for the Department to provide financial support either by way of grant or loan, with long-term pay back options.

"However, legislation to allow that has not been progressed in the absence of an Executive. If we are to see safety measures taken forward and delivered for people, we need to see a Minister in place."