Alliance spokesperson on welfare, Kellie Armstrong MLA, has welcomed the announcement of an extension of welfare mitigations to the bedroom tax, but says more clarity is needed.

Kellie Armstrong said: “This announcement of an additional £23 million to protect people from the bedroom tax is welcome news to the 38,000 households who would be affected. However, more clarity is needed on the other supplementary payments that are currently being made.

“It is unfortunate that the Communities Minister did not make this announcement in the Assembly Chamber, where members would have had the opportunity to get more detail so people in receipt of the other supplementary payments could have received some assurances. This is an important issue, which is regularly raised with elected representatives, so full scrutiny is essential.

“I also call on both the Minister for Communities and Minister for Finance to ensure appropriate mitigations funding is provided for in the 2020/21 budget.

“Alliance will continue to highlight the need to support our most vulnerable as we approach the cliff edge date of 31 March.”