AQW 24618/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any discussions that have taken place with counterparts in Westminster to ensure the unique needs of Northern Ireland are considered in the implementation of the proposed welfare reforms.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 19 March 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 19 March 2025
- Answer due by
- 3 April 2025
- Answered
- 25 April 202537 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
My officials are continuing to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to understand the full implications for Northern Ireland of the changes announced on 18 March. Calculations on the UK wide impact of the Green Paper are expected to be published along with the Chancellor’s Spring Statement on 26th March.
It will take time to understand the implications of the announced welfare changes.
I want to ensure that Northern Ireland has a welfare system that is fair for claimants and taxpayers and protects the most vulnerable. I will continue to engage with the UK Government to ensure that this happens, and also with Executive colleagues as Northern Ireland does not have the resources to mitigate against these changes.