Menu
06/08/2019
Urgent Plan Needed To Sustain Welfare Mitigation - SDLP
The SDLP has called on the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities to prepare an urgent plan to sustain welfare mitigations in the event that a deal to restore power sharing government cannot be reached.
SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said: "The March 2020 deadline for a resolution to welfare mitigations is fast approaching and it's critical that we exhaust all avenues to protect the tens of thousands of people facing the hardship of the Bedroom Tax and the Benefit Cap.
"We are meeting the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities today to impress on her the urgent need for an alternative mechanism to secure mitigations as a method of last resort if it is not possible for an Executive and Assembly to legislate. The Department has confirmed that Discretionary Housing Payments for example, could be used in this scenario to protect those currently shielded from the Bedroom Tax but it is not without significant administrative and financial challenge.
Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone added: "We see the despair that Universal Credit has thrown people into every day. I am inundated with people who have reached the end of their tether with a system that is more concerned with government savings than the safety, security and welfare of those who need support.
"The SDLP's focus is on seeing a local government in place that protects and empowers all of its citizens. However a cliff edge of debt, despair and homelessness is looming in eight months when mitigations run out. It is critical that the Department for Communities is prepared for all eventualities and that includes a plan to protect those most in need."
SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said: "The March 2020 deadline for a resolution to welfare mitigations is fast approaching and it's critical that we exhaust all avenues to protect the tens of thousands of people facing the hardship of the Bedroom Tax and the Benefit Cap.
"We are meeting the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities today to impress on her the urgent need for an alternative mechanism to secure mitigations as a method of last resort if it is not possible for an Executive and Assembly to legislate. The Department has confirmed that Discretionary Housing Payments for example, could be used in this scenario to protect those currently shielded from the Bedroom Tax but it is not without significant administrative and financial challenge.
Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone added: "We see the despair that Universal Credit has thrown people into every day. I am inundated with people who have reached the end of their tether with a system that is more concerned with government savings than the safety, security and welfare of those who need support.
"The SDLP's focus is on seeing a local government in place that protects and empowers all of its citizens. However a cliff edge of debt, despair and homelessness is looming in eight months when mitigations run out. It is critical that the Department for Communities is prepared for all eventualities and that includes a plan to protect those most in need."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 February 2024
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
08 February 2024
DAERA Minister To Prioritise Animal Welfare Issues
New Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has said that animal welfare issues will be among his top priorities. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the offices of the USPCA in Newry where he met with staff and volunteers during which a range of animal health issues were discussed.
DAERA Minister To Prioritise Animal Welfare Issues
New Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has said that animal welfare issues will be among his top priorities. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the offices of the USPCA in Newry where he met with staff and volunteers during which a range of animal health issues were discussed.
22 March 2024
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
25 January 2024
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
