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.

Whatever happened to Heenan Anderson?

14 Aug 2015Nick Garbutt Politics, Social Policy, Welfare Reform

Whatever happened to the Heenan-Anderson Commission?

Welfare Reform Events - Learning from Scotland

5 Jun 2015Jenna Maghie Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform

With the Welfare Reform Bill now fallen in Stormont and the Assembly entering “unchartered waters” everyone is still unsure of what will happen next with the Bill and the Assembly.

Welfare Reform Bill: Final Stage (Too Long; Didn't Read)

27 May 2015Jenny McEneaney Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform

On Tuesday 27th of May the Assembly debated the Final Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill.

Welfare Reform is correct in principle

27 May 2015Guest Author Welfare Reform

There 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 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

DWP 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.

Welfare Reform: the view from Scotland

14 May 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

The general election result means Welfare Reform will come to Northern Ireland, one way or another. Scope looks at two reports examining its impact in Scotland - both on the public and the third sector.

Welfare Reform: overseeing the inevitable

20 Apr 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

Presuming the near-inevitable happens and Welfare Reform (eventually) passes the Assembly, does Stormont need a dedicated committee for oversight? Scope speaks exclusively with Michael McMahon MSP, who convenes just such a group in Holyrood.

NICVA Response to Rate Rebate Scheme Consultation

26 Feb 2015Bob Harper Policy & Public Affairs, Welfare Reform, Centre for Economic Empowerment, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Rates

This is NICVA's response to the Department of Finance and Personnel's consultation 'Long-term Options for Rates Rebate Replacement Scheme'

Welfare Reform Bill: Amendments (Part 2)

25 Feb 2015Bob Harper Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform

Previously, we summarised the amendments made to the Welfare Reform Bill at Consideration Stage. This time, we look at the 27 amendments debated at Further Consideration Stage (on 24 Feb) – the last opportunity for the Assembly to change the Bill.

15 Asks for the Executive - Guarantee a Statutory Right to Advice as part of Welfare Reform

16 Feb 2015Jenny McEneaney Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform, Welfare Reform

In 15 Asks for the Executive we focus on a range of issues the current Executive can either complete or significantly progress before the June 2016 Assembly elections.