29/06/2021
Decision To Give Troubles' Victims Payment Scheme To Capita Condemned
A decision by the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, to award the contract for the Troubles' Victims Payment Scheme to Capita has been described as "inconceivable", by SDLP social justice spokesperson Mark H Durkan.
Mr Durkan made the comment after it emerged the Department of Justice had hired the company to carry out medical assessments of Troubles' victims before they are awarded their pension.
A Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) report on Capita's handling of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme is said to have found that many benefit claims had been "unfairly rejected" amid "systemic maladministration".
Mr Durkan said: "We heard from NIPSO about how Capita had rejected many legitimate benefit claims and this week we learn they have been awarded a further contract. It's the stuff of nightmares.
"What confidence does the Minister have that the same thing won't happen again?"
The Foyle MLA said public representatives know only too well the impact of Capita's handling of assessments for PIP.
"As MLAs we all have busy constituency offices and have seen the result of Capita's handling of PIP on members of the public and their families," he said.
"We have heard countless stories of vulnerable people forced to go through degrading and humiliating assessments simply to avail of the funding they are entitled to.
"It is inconceivable that anyone who has first-hand knowledge of this suffering could then turn around and hand them a further contract involving Troubles victims.
"Minister Long really must think again to ensure that Troubles victims are not subjected to the same bad experiences as others."
Mr Durkan made the comment after it emerged the Department of Justice had hired the company to carry out medical assessments of Troubles' victims before they are awarded their pension.
A Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) report on Capita's handling of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme is said to have found that many benefit claims had been "unfairly rejected" amid "systemic maladministration".
Mr Durkan said: "We heard from NIPSO about how Capita had rejected many legitimate benefit claims and this week we learn they have been awarded a further contract. It's the stuff of nightmares.
"What confidence does the Minister have that the same thing won't happen again?"
The Foyle MLA said public representatives know only too well the impact of Capita's handling of assessments for PIP.
"As MLAs we all have busy constituency offices and have seen the result of Capita's handling of PIP on members of the public and their families," he said.
"We have heard countless stories of vulnerable people forced to go through degrading and humiliating assessments simply to avail of the funding they are entitled to.
"It is inconceivable that anyone who has first-hand knowledge of this suffering could then turn around and hand them a further contract involving Troubles victims.
"Minister Long really must think again to ensure that Troubles victims are not subjected to the same bad experiences as others."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2024
Justice Minister Announces New PSNI Pay Offer
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the 2023-24 pay remit for police officers at Federated and Superintending ranks has been agreed. The award is consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body.
Justice Minister Announces New PSNI Pay Offer
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the 2023-24 pay remit for police officers at Federated and Superintending ranks has been agreed. The award is consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
19 February 2024
SDLP Calls For End To The Uncertainty Over Public Finances
The SDLP has called on Ministers to put an end to the uncertainty over public finances at the first substantive meeting of the Executive.
SDLP Calls For End To The Uncertainty Over Public Finances
The SDLP has called on Ministers to put an end to the uncertainty over public finances at the first substantive meeting of the Executive.
16 February 2024
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.