Welfare Reform
The proposed welfare reforms have been widely described as the most radical shake up of the social security system in over 40 years. The aim of the reforms and subsequent Bill is to simplify the benefits system, improve work incentives to encourage claimants to move from benefits to work and reduce administration costs. However, the implementation of the changes will impact upon a significant percentage of the working age population in Northern Ireland.
When money is tight, campaigning is more important than ever
7 Jun 2023Ryan Miller undefinedWelfare Reform, Universal Credit, Welfare Mitigations, Cliff Edge Coalition
The Department for Communities is consulting on its budget. Northern Ireland’s welfare mitigation payments are at risk. Those who want (at least some) payments that protect vulnerable people to continue should speak up.
Social security is inadequate – what will government do about it?
10 May 2023Ryan Miller undefinedWelfare Reform, Universal Credit, Social Policy, Poverty, Sector Issues, Cliff Edge Coalition
The Cliff Edge Coalition NI relaunched its campaign last week. A lot has changed since 2018, almost none of it good, and the cliff edge faced by much of society has grown much higher.
Cliff Edge Welcomes Minister’s Commitment to Extend Welfare Mitigations But Concerns Remain Over Families Hit by Bedroom Tax and Benefit Cap
16 Oct 2020Kathy Maguire Policy & Public AffairsWelfare Reform
The Cliff Edge Coalition has welcomed the Minister for Communities commitment earlier this month to introduce new legislation to provide for an extension of the welfare mitigation payments.
Cliff Edge NI Coalition Submission to the Joint Inquiry into Welfare Policy- what are the main points?
5 Jun 2019Siobhan McAlister Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform
The Cliff Edge Coalition NI is a group of over 70 organisations in NI who have joined together to express concern about the upcoming end of the welfare reform mitigations in March 2020.
Joint inquiry into Northern Ireland’s welfare policy launched
11 Apr 2019Siobhan McAlister Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform
A joint inquiry has been launched by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and the Work and Pensions Committee into the impact of welfare policy in NI including a focus on policies such as Universal Credit and the two-child limit.
Welfare Reform Mitigations: Less than 1 year to cliffedge
9 Apr 2019Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform
Advice NI and NICVA are warning that, with less than a year to go before Welfare Reform Mitigation runs out, thousands of vulnerable people across Northern Ireland may be facing a substantial drop in income and even eviction.
NICVA Universal Credit Roundtable Dicussion
20 Dec 2018Siobhan McAlister Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform
On the 30 November, NICVA hosted a roundtable discussion session to discuss the current issues, impacts and future challenges in relation to the roll out of universal credit.
Universal Credit suspension call
26 Sep 2017Neil Wilson Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform
NICVA has called for the introduction of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland to be suspended.
Evason Report: Too Long, Didn't Read
20 Jan 2016Jenna Maghie Policy & Public AffairsPolicy, Welfare Reform
On 19th January the Evason Group, or the Welfare Reform Working Group, established by the 'A Fresh Start' Agreement published their recommendations for the mitigation of the impacts of welfare reform.
Tax Credits Crunch - unpicking the July budget's effect on NI
1 Oct 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Social Policy
The importance of Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland has shrunk, grown or both - depending on your views - thanks to the Chancellor's July budget. Over 100,000 homes have projected income reductions of over £1,600. Scope takes a look.
