Citizens Advice welcomes Minister Attwood’s stance on welfare reform

Citizens Advice welcomes the pledge given yesterday by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood on addressing the circumstances in Northern Ireland in relation to welfare reform.
This followed a meeting with Alex Attwood and the Secretary of State for work and pensions Iain Duncan Smith after which, the Minister said: "I stressed to Iain Duncan Smith that there is a need to continue the conversation with him and with the London government to ensure that the particular circumstances in Northern Ireland are addressed.”

Minister Attwood made it very clear he would not compromise on the fundamental principles that those on welfare benefits should not carry any further burden of any budget cuts. He said: "This value must be essential in any proposals both on budget and on welfare.”

"If there are useful welfare changes that can properly help people get into work this is something that does need to be looked at, but it cannot be a devise used to wage war on those on benefits."

The Government has issued a Consultation Paper on the long term options for the reform of the benefits system and are encouraging everyone in Northern Ireland to contribute to the debate on welfare reform. The paper is available to download on the Department for Social Development website at: www.dsdni.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureaux throughout Northern Ireland helped people to resolve over 179,000 problems they had with claiming benefits and tax credits last year and will be providing a detailed response to the consultation paper.