Assembly Committee Urges People to Respond to Consultation on Welfare Reform

The Assembly Committee for Social Development today strongly urged people to respond to the Department of Social Development’s consultation on the impact of proposed changes to welfare reform here.

Committee Chairperson Alex Maskey MLA said: “The Committee is keen that the views of the public and organisations on the draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) are put to the Department. This consultation looks at the effect of the proposed changes to Welfare Reform here.

“The Welfare Reform Bill, will mean significant changes to how benefits are paid and the types of benefits available in Northern Ireland. This will have a very substantial impact on all those who currently claim or are entitled to benefits.

“It is vitally important that time is taken to consider the very particular social needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

“We would encourage all interested individuals and stakeholder groups to take this opportunity to make their views known and to highlight all concerns and issues.

“These views will help to ensure that we continue to protect and support our most vulnerable people while retaining a fair and sustainable welfare system.”