Alliance Communities Spokesperson Kellie Armstrong has said time is running out to protect the benefits of over 40,000 people in Northern Ireland.

Kellie was speaking after raising concerns there are only seven weeks left to mitigate against the worst effects of what could happen if a new plan is not brought forward and confirmed.

She added: “As it stands 40,340 people on benefits across Northern Ireland will be hit with bedroom tax and the benefit cap as current welfare mitigations close at the end of March 2021.

“I’ve been pushing the Department for Communities for greater detail on this, as ideally new welfare mitigations should be in place when the current arrangements come to an end on March 31.

“I find it extremely concerning that the Department has still not indicated what its plan will be, with the result an extremely worrying time for all those who could be potentially affected.

“Quite frankly time is running out and I urge the Minister again to bring forward legislation urgently to ensure the worst case scenario doesn’t become a reality for many.”