Menu
05/10/2021
Communities Minister Joins Growing Call For UC Uplift To Be Retained
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has joined the growing calls for the retention of the £20 Universal Credit Uplift, by writing again to the British Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reverse the decision to cut the payment from next week.
In the latest of a series of letters to Thérèse Coffey MP, Minister Hargey has again urged the retention of the uplift stating its removal will compound poverty and hardship for tens of thousands of people here including 84,000 children.
The £20 uplift, which translates to £86.67 per month, will be withdrawn from 134,000 people here from October 6. Over 44,000 households with children have a UC claim in payment meaning around 83,930 children will be impacted by its removal.
The Minister said: "If the British Tory government insists on forcing through this callous reduction - in the face of widespread opposition, even from its own MPs - it will be forcing further hardship on already struggling families and directly impact 84,000 children. That is outrageous.
"The British government's apparent determination to impose this reduction on the most financially vulnerable as furlough is ending, energy prices are soaring and many are still dealing with the economic impact of Covid, is not only unjust but, in my opinion, morally reprehensible."
Minister Hargey had written to Thérèse Coffey in July and August and in November of last year urging the retention of the uplift.
The Minister also welcomed a joint letter from the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Paul Givan and Michelle O'Neill with the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the same issue.
The Minister continued: "I have written to Thérèse Coffey on three occasions, individually and in a joint letter with Scottish and Welsh Ministers who share my grave concerns on the matter. The response has been extremely disappointing.
"I am writing again to insist that these concerns no longer be ignored and that the UC uplift be retained as a matter of extreme urgency.
"To do anything else is a derogation of responsibility and wrong on every level.
"I welcome the support of the First and deputy First Ministers and the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers on this matter of utmost importance."
In the latest of a series of letters to Thérèse Coffey MP, Minister Hargey has again urged the retention of the uplift stating its removal will compound poverty and hardship for tens of thousands of people here including 84,000 children.
The £20 uplift, which translates to £86.67 per month, will be withdrawn from 134,000 people here from October 6. Over 44,000 households with children have a UC claim in payment meaning around 83,930 children will be impacted by its removal.
The Minister said: "If the British Tory government insists on forcing through this callous reduction - in the face of widespread opposition, even from its own MPs - it will be forcing further hardship on already struggling families and directly impact 84,000 children. That is outrageous.
"The British government's apparent determination to impose this reduction on the most financially vulnerable as furlough is ending, energy prices are soaring and many are still dealing with the economic impact of Covid, is not only unjust but, in my opinion, morally reprehensible."
Minister Hargey had written to Thérèse Coffey in July and August and in November of last year urging the retention of the uplift.
The Minister also welcomed a joint letter from the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Paul Givan and Michelle O'Neill with the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the same issue.
The Minister continued: "I have written to Thérèse Coffey on three occasions, individually and in a joint letter with Scottish and Welsh Ministers who share my grave concerns on the matter. The response has been extremely disappointing.
"I am writing again to insist that these concerns no longer be ignored and that the UC uplift be retained as a matter of extreme urgency.
"To do anything else is a derogation of responsibility and wrong on every level.
"I welcome the support of the First and deputy First Ministers and the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers on this matter of utmost importance."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
14 February 2022
Cross Party Support For Removing Remaining Restrictions
Executive Ministers have given their support to Health Minister Robin Swann lifting the remaining Covid-19 restrictions. Following legal advice that because the issue was "significant" Mr Swann could not act alone on further easing restrictions, however, if he could get the support of other Ministers he may be able to proceed.
Cross Party Support For Removing Remaining Restrictions
Executive Ministers have given their support to Health Minister Robin Swann lifting the remaining Covid-19 restrictions. Following legal advice that because the issue was "significant" Mr Swann could not act alone on further easing restrictions, however, if he could get the support of other Ministers he may be able to proceed.
16 March 2010
USA Investment Focus For FM
The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have begun their pre-Saint Patrick's Day US visit with a round of meetings with potential investors in Chicago. The Ministers also met with Tom Wilson, the Chairman of existing investor Allstate and the Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley.
USA Investment Focus For FM
The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have begun their pre-Saint Patrick's Day US visit with a round of meetings with potential investors in Chicago. The Ministers also met with Tom Wilson, the Chairman of existing investor Allstate and the Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley.
21 October 2014
Enterprise And Employment Ministers Meet With JTI Gallaher
Arlene Foster and Stephen Farry have held talks with representatives of JTI Gallaher, in what has been described as a "useful" meeting. Ms Foster, Enterprise Minister, said that the meeting was held in an effort to find any way to avoid "the complete closure" of the Ballymena-based factory.
Enterprise And Employment Ministers Meet With JTI Gallaher
Arlene Foster and Stephen Farry have held talks with representatives of JTI Gallaher, in what has been described as a "useful" meeting. Ms Foster, Enterprise Minister, said that the meeting was held in an effort to find any way to avoid "the complete closure" of the Ballymena-based factory.
-
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.
