Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has challenged the British government to implement a comprehensive support package to address the escalating cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Communities Committee during a debate on the issue, Mr Gildernew described the response from the British government as "woefully inadequate" thus far.

He argued that the financial assistance provided to the Executive to date is insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge facing households.

"So far, the British Government has only provided the Executive with £17 million of extra funding, which won't even touch the sides of what is needed," Mr Gildernew stated. "They have refused all calls to date to deliver real and substantial financial support, including cutting the tax on fuel duties, which would have a massive impact."

The MLA noted that the Executive remains unified in its request for further intervention and has already taken steps to allocate additional funding to help the most vulnerable.

He emphasised the urgency of the situation, calling for a simplified process to ensure funds reach those in difficulty without delay.

"The Executive is united in calling for this and have also moved to provide additional funding to support those most in need," he said.

"We now need to see the money get into the pockets of those who need it as soon as possible, and to make the application process as straightforward and seamless as possible. People here don't have the luxury of waiting any longer. They need support, and they need it now."