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10/10/2012
Welfare Reform Bill Passed
MLAs have voted in favour of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill.
The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
The Welfare Reform Bill had been supported by the DUP from the outset, while Sinn Féin argued against it, condemning it as amounting to little more than Tory cuts. The party even attempted to postpone the Bill in order to engage in further discussions with Westminster, but the action failed.
The Assembly was engaged in debate over the issue until late on Tuesday, with the motion eventually being passed by 60 votes to 42.
Nelson McCausland brought the Bill before the Assembly, outlining in a speech the reasons he believed it should be passed.
The Minister said that Northern Ireland needs a fair welfare system that protects the vulnerable, that is designed to provide maximum support and encouragement to generate economic activity and that promotes personal and social responsibility.
The new changes will affect disability living allowance, housing benefit and employment support.
A single, monthly Universal Credit payment will replace six individual benefits, while the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be replaced with a personal independence payment.
Claimants will be independently assessed every three years, instead of assessing themselves.
The SDLP had called for the bill to be delayed for 30 days.
The party said it wanted to form a committee to consider the equality implications of the measure under Section 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act.
Alasdair McDonnell said his party would table a petition of concern which would subject the reforms to a cross-community veto.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland will meet Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud next week.
Negotiations are underway to discuss Northern Ireland's specific needs.
(IT)
The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
The Welfare Reform Bill had been supported by the DUP from the outset, while Sinn Féin argued against it, condemning it as amounting to little more than Tory cuts. The party even attempted to postpone the Bill in order to engage in further discussions with Westminster, but the action failed.
The Assembly was engaged in debate over the issue until late on Tuesday, with the motion eventually being passed by 60 votes to 42.
Nelson McCausland brought the Bill before the Assembly, outlining in a speech the reasons he believed it should be passed.
The Minister said that Northern Ireland needs a fair welfare system that protects the vulnerable, that is designed to provide maximum support and encouragement to generate economic activity and that promotes personal and social responsibility.
The new changes will affect disability living allowance, housing benefit and employment support.
A single, monthly Universal Credit payment will replace six individual benefits, while the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be replaced with a personal independence payment.
Claimants will be independently assessed every three years, instead of assessing themselves.
The SDLP had called for the bill to be delayed for 30 days.
The party said it wanted to form a committee to consider the equality implications of the measure under Section 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act.
Alasdair McDonnell said his party would table a petition of concern which would subject the reforms to a cross-community veto.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland will meet Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud next week.
Negotiations are underway to discuss Northern Ireland's specific needs.
(IT)
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14 February 2012
Majority Of Benefit Claimants Unaffected By £26k Cap
Over 99% of people in receipt of social security benefits will be unaffected by the proposed £26,000 cap when Universal Credit is introduced, said Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland. The Welfare Reform Bill, which includes the proposed £26,000 benefit cap, is currently progressing through Westminster.
Majority Of Benefit Claimants Unaffected By £26k Cap
Over 99% of people in receipt of social security benefits will be unaffected by the proposed £26,000 cap when Universal Credit is introduced, said Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland. The Welfare Reform Bill, which includes the proposed £26,000 benefit cap, is currently progressing through Westminster.
01 March 2012
Minister Concerned About Some Of The Welfare Reform Proposals
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has said that while he has concerns about some of the welfare reform proposals, there is a need for reform of the system. Minister McCausland, who has responsibility for the social security system in Northern Ireland, was speaking at an event organised by the four main churches.
Minister Concerned About Some Of The Welfare Reform Proposals
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has said that while he has concerns about some of the welfare reform proposals, there is a need for reform of the system. Minister McCausland, who has responsibility for the social security system in Northern Ireland, was speaking at an event organised by the four main churches.
17 October 2012
Robinson Slams Sinn Féin 'Fear' Of SDLP
First Minister Peter Robinson has launched an attack on Sinn Féin, claiming the party’s "fear" of the SDLP often paralyses decisions in the Executive. "Too often Alex Attwood's position one day is Sinn Féin's the next," he said. "Time and time again the SDLP takes a stance that Sinn Féin lacks the courage to oppose.
Robinson Slams Sinn Féin 'Fear' Of SDLP
First Minister Peter Robinson has launched an attack on Sinn Féin, claiming the party’s "fear" of the SDLP often paralyses decisions in the Executive. "Too often Alex Attwood's position one day is Sinn Féin's the next," he said. "Time and time again the SDLP takes a stance that Sinn Féin lacks the courage to oppose.
06 March 2012
Welfare Reform Will 'Hit Poor Hard'
An organisation, which represents Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector, has said that the government’s welfare reform bill will hit the poor hardest. The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has warned that the welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy.
Welfare Reform Will 'Hit Poor Hard'
An organisation, which represents Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector, has said that the government’s welfare reform bill will hit the poor hardest. The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has warned that the welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy.
27 May 2015
Alliance Party Hits Out After Welfare Reform Bill Fails
The Alliance Party has slammed the decision to block the final stage of the Welfare Reform Bill at Stormont on Tuesday. The party's leader, David Ford, said the decision of Sinn Féin, SDLP and the Green Party will have "serious implications" for Departments' budgets and accused the politicians of "not facing reality".
Alliance Party Hits Out After Welfare Reform Bill Fails
The Alliance Party has slammed the decision to block the final stage of the Welfare Reform Bill at Stormont on Tuesday. The party's leader, David Ford, said the decision of Sinn Féin, SDLP and the Green Party will have "serious implications" for Departments' budgets and accused the politicians of "not facing reality".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
