The Lagan Valley MP said those in receipt of benefits and working families should be prioritised for any support from Government. She added the Executive Finance, Communities and Economy Ministers should be collaborating better to ensure those who needed help in Northern Ireland did not miss out.

“We have recently seen the UK Government announce £17 million to help households here with home heating oil bills. Not only is that not enough but the targeting is all wrong,” said Ms Eastwood.

“Any support should not be blanket but rather targeted at those who need it most – those in receipt of benefits and working families to begin with. Those are the people who were already struggling before this war and now are facing ever-growing bills as a result.

“We also need to see urgent conversations between the local Finance, Economy and Communities Ministers. It is not acceptable for someone to get this support who doesn’t need it just because these Departments are not sharing the relevant data.

“These are undoubtedly challenges but with the correct attitude and moving at pace, they can be overcome, so those who need the support the most receive it.”