This meeting focused on the impact on households of the ensuing credit crunch and rising cost of living.
Mr McGuinness said: “The Consumer Council is particularly important, representing the views of households. We wish to find out directly how the high cost of living, lack of credit, rising indebtedness and the risk of mortgage repossessions are a real threat to households here.
“Conditions have begun to take a turn for the worst, costs have risen and this impacts directly on households especially the disadvantaged. This does not allow simple or quick fixes. We are concerned about the impact on households and we hope to be shortly in a position to announce further measures to alleviate impacts. Today, we are interested to find out first hand what we can do to assist.”
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have already met with senior local representatives of the main financial institutions, Institute of Directors, the construction sector, the trade unions, the energy sector and regulator, the business sector and the Social and Voluntary sector.
Notes to Editors:
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