Simon Hamilton to bring RHI plan to the Assembly on Monday

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton is set to bring legislation before the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday in an attempt to reduce the money lost through the RHI scandal.

Mr Hamilton has produced a plan which would reduce tariffs paid to about 1,800 people involved in the scheme.

The 'cash for ash' scandal is set to cost the Northern Ireland taxpayer £490m over the next 20 years if a solution is not found.

The aim of the scheme was to encourage businesses to use more renewable energy.

Businesses taking part in the scheme ended up receiving more in funding than the cost of fuel and the scheme became oversubscribed.

The scandal was given as the main reason for deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness's resignation earlier this week.

Mr Hamilton's plan could face a legal challenge from those benefiting from RHI.

Any plan would require approval through a vote from MLAs.