Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said the British Secretary of State’s cynical consultation on punitive charges is about punishing workers and families for the failures of one party. 

Speaking as the Department of Finance launched a consultation on the ‘financial context for revenue-raising consultations’ today, Conor Murphy said: 

“The British Secretary of State’s intention to consult on punitive and cynical charges is about punishing workers and families for the failures of one party.

“Water charges, increased student fees, prescription charges and other domestic charges would increase the pressure on ordinary people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“In the past the Executive has been able to protect people from Tory policies despite more than a decade of Tory cuts to public services. That was and is the right thing to do.

“Our communities are already dealing with the impact of savage Tory cuts, facilitated by one party’s blockade on the Executive, that has slashed funding for public services and denied pay rises to workers in health, education and other services. 

“Public patience is wearing thin. What people need to see is an end to the DUP’s blockade of the political institutions without any delay. 

“Workers can’t wait, people on waiting lists can’t wait and families struggling to put food on the table can’t wait. They need parties working together around the Executive table to deliver for them.”