Welfare Reform - is there still security in Social Security?

NICVA and the Law Centre (NI) have put together a significant programme of key contributors within Welfare Reform and Social Security for this event.

Neil Couling Director of DWP will address the conference detailing the Government's vision behind Welfare Reform.

Contributions will be made from Les Allambly, Director of Law Centre (NI) and Baroness Ruth Lister, who contributed significantly to the Bill as it passed through the House of Lords.

Other contributors will include Professor Eileen Evason, Chair of the Social Security Standards committee, senior members of the Social Security Agency and political representatives. Alex Maskey MLA, Chair of the NI Assembly for the Committee on Social Development and a local Member of Parliament representative will also contribute.

The Welfare Reform Bill currently progressing through Westminster has been widely described as the most radical shake up of the social security system in over 40 years. A recent report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, found that after London, Northern Ireland will be hardest hit by tax and benefit cuts announced and to be implemented under the Bill between January 2011 and April 2014/15.

Corresponding provisions will be incorporated into a Northern Ireland Welfare Reform Bill, to be introduced into the Northern Ireland Assembly early in 2012. How and when the various strands of the Welfare Reform Bill will be applied to Northern Ireland will ultimately be a matter for the DSD Minister, with approval from the NI Executive, and the Department for Social Development.

Engage directly

In light of the imminent changes and potential negative consequences for quite a substantial proportion of citizens in Northern Ireland, NICVA and the Law Centre (NI) invite you to come along and have your opportunity to hear from, and directly engage with prominent decision makers, policy makers, and eminent contributors to the Welfare Reform both here in Northern Ireland and within the UK.

Book a place

More details, and booking information, for the event are listed here. If you would like more information, please contact Lorraine Boyd at [email protected]