Local people eligible for the clothing and footwear allowance for their kids who are returning to school are to be hit with payment delays.
That's according to Cllr Colm Carthy who said some families in receipt of social welfare payments have been told the allowance won't be issued until October or November.
Cllr Carthy says it's an unacceptable development because people are already 'at the pin of their collar' due to the cost of living crisis.
He highlighted how he knows a number of local families who have been impacted by the delays.
The public representative is appealing to Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, to address the matter.
"For those who meet the requirements and have applied for the allowance during the summer, some are being told that their payment won't be made until after September," Cllr Carthy continued.
"In one case, the family has been told it will be November before they get that payment.
"The reality is that people who are getting their children ready to go back to school have a need for that money as it stands.
"They simply can't afford to be waiting for it."
