Spratt welcomes Financial Assistance Bill

DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has welcomed the Financial Assistance Bill, which passed through the final stage in the Assembly this week. Mr Spratt, who sits on the Committee for the Office of First and Deputy First Minister, spoke in several debates as the Bill passed through the House.

 

Commenting, Mr Spratt said:

 

‘The Financial Assistance Bill will be of great benefit to many people across Northern Ireland as it will enable the Assembly to help those in poverty and in real financial need. It represents a streamlined decision making process which will enable swift action by the Executive in times of emergency.

 

The Bill is evidence of the benefits of devolution and proves that Northern Ireland is a better place under devolved government than under a Direct Rule administration.

 

Sadly as the bill went through the legislative stages in the House, some parties chose to play politics with poverty. Rather than engaging constructively, they used the Bill as a means to try to score cheap political points. Such an approach is not what the public want or expect at a time when so many need financial assistance.’