Stewart Dickson MLA said: “When Westminster takes further money from the Northern Ireland block grant, the SDLP and Sinn Fein will be forced to come to the table and introduce welfare reform. They will have no viable option but to support the legislation.
“We are already going to have to take £100million out of our schools and hospitals to pay for the reduction in our block grant. Our public services cannot afford to lose any more money because the SDLP and Sinn Fein are more interested in the coming elections rather than what is in the best interests of Northern Ireland.
“The electorate are not fooled by the SDLP and Sinn Fein claims that they can hold out against implementing welfare reform. While these parties play political games, we will continue to be burdened by monthly financial penalties.”
ENDS