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06/03/2012
Welfare Reform Will 'Hit Poor Hard'
An organisation, which represents Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector, has said that the government’s welfare reform bill will hit the poor hardest.
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has warned that the welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy.
Indeed many are describing the Bill, which passed through its final stage in the House of Lords on 1 March and applies to England, Scotland and Wales, as the most radical shake up of the social security system in over four decades.
Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA, said: "There is a real fear that the Welfare Reform Bill will have a negative impact on the people of Northern Ireland, and their lives."
The bill is expected to be introduced into the Northern Ireland Assembly this month and changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are expected to have the biggest impact on people in Northern Ireland.
(LB/GK)
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has warned that the welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy.
Indeed many are describing the Bill, which passed through its final stage in the House of Lords on 1 March and applies to England, Scotland and Wales, as the most radical shake up of the social security system in over four decades.
Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA, said: "There is a real fear that the Welfare Reform Bill will have a negative impact on the people of Northern Ireland, and their lives."
The bill is expected to be introduced into the Northern Ireland Assembly this month and changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are expected to have the biggest impact on people in Northern Ireland.
(LB/GK)
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Over 99% of people in receipt of social security benefits will be unaffected by the proposed £26,000 cap when Universal Credit is introduced, said Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland. The Welfare Reform Bill, which includes the proposed £26,000 benefit cap, is currently progressing through Westminster.
01 March 2012
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Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has said that while he has concerns about some of the welfare reform proposals, there is a need for reform of the system. Minister McCausland, who has responsibility for the social security system in Northern Ireland, was speaking at an event organised by the four main churches.
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Nelson McCausland has insisted the government pushes forward with the Welfare Reform Bill in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Social Development was speaking before the Assembly during a debate on the controversial Bill. He said any hesitation could be costly for the vulnerable sections of society.
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As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
