Menu
03/10/2013
SDLP Attacks Tory Benefit Cut Proposals
The SDLP has hit out at Prime Minister David Cameron's proposals to cease housing and unemployment benefits for those aged between 18 and 25.
Mr Cameron made the remarks at the Conservative Party Conference yesterday, saying it would help people into work.
He said: "It’s time for bold action here. We should ask, as we write our next manifesto, if that option should really exist at all. Instead, we should give young people a clear, positive choice: go to school. Go to college. Do an apprenticeship. Get a job. But just choose the dole? We’ve got to offer them something better than that."
But SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Dolores Kelly responded by saying: "The plans announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron regarding new conditions for the long-term jobless have worrying implications for people living in Northern Ireland.
"The conditions being proposed include community work placements, daily visits to a job centre or taking part in compulsory training. Such proposals are overly onerous and are the latest in a long list of changes which the coalition hopes to roll out in the Welfare Reform Act.
"This latest step by the Conservatives is an attempt to penalise the unemployed rather than acknowledge the failings of the Government’s economic policies. This attitude towards those who have lost their job, young graduates and others who can’t secure work is disgraceful. The lack of empathy displayed by the Tories is quite breath-taking.
"The Welfare Reform Act and its provisions seem more and more to pave the way for the erosion of social security benefits which we in the SDLP have been warning about in the Assembly and at Westminster."
If the Conservative proposals do go ahead, it is unlikely they will be introduced before the 2015 election, as the Liberal Democrats have blocked proposals by Tory ministers to curb Housing Benefit for under-25s.
(IT/MH)
Mr Cameron made the remarks at the Conservative Party Conference yesterday, saying it would help people into work.
He said: "It’s time for bold action here. We should ask, as we write our next manifesto, if that option should really exist at all. Instead, we should give young people a clear, positive choice: go to school. Go to college. Do an apprenticeship. Get a job. But just choose the dole? We’ve got to offer them something better than that."
But SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Dolores Kelly responded by saying: "The plans announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron regarding new conditions for the long-term jobless have worrying implications for people living in Northern Ireland.
"The conditions being proposed include community work placements, daily visits to a job centre or taking part in compulsory training. Such proposals are overly onerous and are the latest in a long list of changes which the coalition hopes to roll out in the Welfare Reform Act.
"This latest step by the Conservatives is an attempt to penalise the unemployed rather than acknowledge the failings of the Government’s economic policies. This attitude towards those who have lost their job, young graduates and others who can’t secure work is disgraceful. The lack of empathy displayed by the Tories is quite breath-taking.
"The Welfare Reform Act and its provisions seem more and more to pave the way for the erosion of social security benefits which we in the SDLP have been warning about in the Assembly and at Westminster."
If the Conservative proposals do go ahead, it is unlikely they will be introduced before the 2015 election, as the Liberal Democrats have blocked proposals by Tory ministers to curb Housing Benefit for under-25s.
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
-
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.
