Hargey raises Welfare Reform concerns with Prime Minister

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA today highlighted concerns on the Welfare Reform system with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Minister was speaking after a meeting with Executive colleagues and Mr Johnson to discuss the budget out workings of 'New Decade, New Approach'.

Speaking afterwards Minister Hargey said: “I used the opportunity to inform the British Prime Minister Johnson of my views on Welfare Reform which I believe is having a negative impact on people here and needs to be reversed. 

"These austerity measures are punishing the most disadvantaged in our society.  

"I also raised the serious concerns that I and many others have with the punitive two child cap policy, which will exacerbate child poverty, and also the special rules for claiming benefits for people with a terminal illness.

“I highlighted the need for recurrent funding for welfare mitigations in order to protect those already struggling as a result of welfare reform, from being penalised further.  

"My Department is working at a pace to ensure that in line with “New Decade, New Approach” the immediate matter of extension of welfare mitigations takes place from 31st March.”

Notes to editors: 

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