Following the announcement that the Executive is to extend welfare mitigations, Ulster Unionist Party Communities spokesperson, Andy Allen MLA said:

“I welcome the fact that the Executive has finally agreed the introduction of welfare mitigation legislation.

“Disappointingly it took far too long to achieve agreement, which resulted in £2M that could have supported many individuals and families being handed back.

“Furthermore, it is imperative this cliff edge situation doesn’t arise again in three years. Simply kicking the can down the road is not acceptable.”