Minister 'killed' allowance bill

The bill would have enabled pensioners to claim a carer's allowance

The social development minister has been accused of killing off an assembly bill which would allow pensioners to collect a carer's allowance.

Ulster Unionist MLA David McNarry is expected to confront Margaret Ritchie's officials on the issue.

Mr McNarry introduced his private members bill in February. He said it was unfair carers lost their allowances once they qualified for a pension.

A statement from the department said it believed such a move was premature.

It said a review examining financial support for carers had not yet been concluded.

However, Mr McNarry said the move was underhand.

"Never before in the assembly's history has a minister stooped so low in using a reasoned amendment to stop a Bill," he said.

"It is clear that Ms Ritchie will not risk a free vote in the assembly by simply voicing her opposition to my Bill."