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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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