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 June, 2023Last updated2 August, 2024The 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, 2023Last updated2 August, 2024The 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 October, 2020Last updated2 August, 2024The 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 June, 2019Last updated2 August, 2024The 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 April, 2019Last updated2 August, 2024A 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.Joint inquiry into Northern Ireland’s welfare policy launched
11 April, 2019Last updated2 August, 2024A 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.Tax Credits Crunch - unpicking the July budget's effect on NI
1 October, 2015Last updated2 August, 2024The 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.Whatever happened to Heenan Anderson?
14 August, 2015Last updated2 August, 2024Whatever happened to the Heenan-Anderson Commission?Welfare Reform is correct in principle
27 May, 2015Last updated2 August, 2024There is a difference between theory and practice - despite some problems, Welfare Reform is a social good. Ian James Parsley writes exclusively for Scope.Up the sanction - Welfare Reform's teeth could bite itself
20 May, 2015Last updated2 August, 2024DWP says sanctions are a "last resort" and encouragement to work - but some reported examples make that description look laughable, and could make them the biggest danger to Welfare Reform. Scope takes a look.