NI Assembly backs UK’s welfare reform

6 Nov 12
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly have backed the UK government’s welfare-reform plans by 60 votes to 42.
By Vivienne Russell | 1 November 2012

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly have backed the UK government’s welfare-reform plans by 60 votes to 42.

Sinn Féin had tabled an amendment to postpone the changes, which will see a range of disability, housing and unemployment benefits cut and replaced with the single Universal Credit. The party wanted more time to negotiate flexibilities over their introduction with Westminster.

But Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, a Democratic Unionist Party member, said that while he did not agree with all aspects of the reforms, failure to deliver them could see Northern Ireland miss out on vital Treasury funding for schools, hospitals and the police.

‘When Universal Credit begins, there will be an opportunity to increase the levels of benefit paid into Northern Ireland that will provide the additional income,’ he told the Assembly.

‘The consequence of not delivering on this Bill is that we will get the negative aspects of welfare reform, but not the benefits; those dependent on welfare will experience real cuts without the potential for increasing their income, through progression into work supported through the various measures in the Bill.’

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey said the party’s amendment had been ‘sensible and measured’. He added: ‘This is not the end of the battle; we will continue to lead the demand for change to the Bill, and lead the demand for protection for low-income families and those reliant on benefit.’Spacer

CIPFA logo

PF Jobsite logo

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top