Government failures impacting on most vulnerable says Derry councillor

The failure of the British Government to help ordinary people through the cost of living crisis is having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable, Sinn Féin Council Group Leader Christopher Jackson has said.

Speaking ahead of this week’s full Council meeting, Cllr. Jackson said Sinn Féin would be tabling a motion calling for action on the issue.

The Waterside representative commented: “Real action needs to be taken now to shift the burden off ordinary, hardworking families and businesses and back onto the big energy companies to bring their profits down and give people a break.

“The Tories could have acted by now. They could have delivered a tax break for small businesses struggling with rising costs, an increase in funding for public services, support for public sector workers and a proper Windfall Tax on the large profits of big energy companies are experiencing during the crisis.

“They have failed to do so and have ignored the needs of ordinary workers, families and businesses who are struggling.

“People need help now - particularly low-income and vulnerable groups like the elderly and those living with disability or serious illness who are more vulnerable due to many factors, including barriers to gaining and retaining employment, and are suffering disproportionately.

“As the cost of living crisis deepens, it is crucial that those with the least are supported the most. 

“It would be indefensible if those who are already vulnerable were forced to make do with even less.

“The failure, thus far, of this British Government to provide sufficient help to those who need it is a damning indictment of the cruel disdain with which they view the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.”