New statistics show consumer anxiety about time ahead, claims Foyle MLA

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has responded to the results of a new Danske Bank survey which shows that consumer confidence in Northern Ireland has continued to worsen in the third quarter of this year, saying that the data show the need to deliver urgent energy support to hard-pressed families.

The results of the survey revealed that 56% of consumers in Northern Ireland believed their finances had deteriorated over the past year while 63% expected their financial position to worsen over the next year. Over half of people (56%) feel worse off compared to a year ago.

Ms. McLaughlin said: “The effects of rising prices are being felt across Derry.

"While I know that our community will support each other through the time ahead and we will get through this difficult time, these statistics just evidence the real anxiety that consumers across our city and across the rest of the North are feeling about their financial position.

"More and more families are struggling with spiralling costs and people across our city are wondering just how they will make ends meet in the time ahead, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

“This is also further evidence why consumers in Northern Ireland should have access to the £600 Energy Support Scheme that has been repeatedly promised. The news that delivery of this scheme may slip into New Year is totally unacceptable.

"The British Government has had months to tailor this support to the needs of the people of the North, but yet again it seems we have been left behind.

"This financial support would give some measure of relief to hard-pressed people across our city and district. Every day that this support is continued to be dangled in front of the people of our city without delivery adds further insult to injury.

“The SDLP will keep pushing for this energy support to be delivered so that we can restore some level of confidence to consumers and families that they will be supported throughout the winter.”