Mr Lyons said,
“Regardless of whether the Northern Ireland Executive was fully functioning or not, delivering the money direct from Treasury to the energy companies was always the simplest and most efficient way to get help where it is needed.
From the Taskforce discussions this morning, it is anticipated that bill payers will receive a one off lump sum of £400 whereas in Great Britain the £400 will be spread over a few payments. This could be delivered in November.
It is disappointing that some parties here were more focused on playing politics with the payment rather than getting it delivered, and if they had had their way the payment would have been delayed until next year.
Just as we argued in our DUP submission to Treasury last March, we will continue to press for additional help for working families. We need to see an increase in the Tax-Free Childcare scheme as well as the reversal of the National Insurance increase, the removal of green taxes and a better windfall tax on the energy companies. Working families need help this winter and the major levers whether that is energy security or food security rest in Westminster.”
