Boris Johnson Hears About Welfare Reform Failings in Northern Ireland

NORTHERN IRELAND  - Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA today highlighted concerns on the Welfare Reform system with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Minister was speaking after a meeting with Executive colleagues and Mr Johnson to discuss the budget out workings of 'New Decade, New Approach'.

Image: Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA.  

Speaking afterwards Minister Hargey said: “I used the opportunity to inform the British Prime Minister Johnson of my views on Welfare Reform which I believe is having a negative impact on people here and needs to be reversed. 

"These austerity measures are punishing the most disadvantaged in our society.  

"I also raised the serious concerns that I and many others have with the punitive two child cap policy, which will exacerbate child poverty, and also the special rules for claiming benefits for people with a terminal illness.

“I highlighted the need for recurrent funding for welfare mitigations in order to protect those already struggling as a result of welfare reform, from being penalised further.  

"My Department is working at a pace to ensure that in line with “New Decade, New Approach” the immediate matter of extension of welfare mitigations takes place from 31st March.”

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