Welfare Reform

The proposed welfare reforms have been widely described as the most radical shake up of the social security system in over 40 years. The aim of the reforms and subsequent Bill is to simplify the benefits system, improve work incentives to encourage claimants to move from benefits to work and reduce administration costs. However, the implementation of the changes will impact upon a significant percentage of the working age population in Northern Ireland.

When money is tight, campaigning is more important than ever

7 Jun 2023Ryan Miller undefinedWelfare Reform, Universal Credit, Welfare Mitigations, Cliff Edge Coalition

The Department for Communities is consulting on its budget. Northern Ireland’s welfare mitigation payments are at risk. Those who want (at least some) payments that protect vulnerable people to continue should speak up.

Social security is inadequate – what will government do about it?

10 May 2023Ryan Miller undefinedWelfare Reform, Universal Credit, Social Policy, Poverty, Sector Issues, Cliff Edge Coalition

The Cliff Edge Coalition NI relaunched its campaign last week. A lot has changed since 2018, almost none of it good, and the cliff edge faced by much of society has grown much higher.

Tax Credits Crunch - unpicking the July budget's effect on NI

1 Oct 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Social Policy

The importance of Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland has shrunk, grown or both - depending on your views - thanks to the Chancellor's July budget. Over 100,000 homes have projected income reductions of over £1,600. Scope takes a look.

Whatever happened to Heenan Anderson?

14 Aug 2015Nick Garbutt Politics, Social Policy, Welfare Reform

Whatever happened to the Heenan-Anderson Commission?

Welfare Reform is correct in principle

27 May 2015Guest Author Welfare Reform

There is a difference between theory and practice - despite some problems, Welfare Reform is a social good. Ian James Parsley writes exclusively for Scope.

Up the sanction - Welfare Reform's teeth could bite itself

20 May 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

DWP says sanctions are a "last resort" and encouragement to work - but some reported examples make that description look laughable, and could make them the biggest danger to Welfare Reform. Scope takes a look.

Welfare Reform: the view from Scotland

14 May 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

The general election result means Welfare Reform will come to Northern Ireland, one way or another. Scope looks at two reports examining its impact in Scotland - both on the public and the third sector.

Welfare Reform: overseeing the inevitable

20 Apr 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

Presuming the near-inevitable happens and Welfare Reform (eventually) passes the Assembly, does Stormont need a dedicated committee for oversight? Scope speaks exclusively with Michael McMahon MSP, who convenes just such a group in Holyrood.

Food banks: A good or bad sign of the times?

22 Oct 2014Nick Garbutt Welfare Reform

The biggest growth area for the charitable sector over the past few years has been that of food banks. Bob Stronge chief executive of Advice NI says there will be many more once Welfare “Reform” kicks in.

How to survive the cuts

16 Sep 2014Nick Garbutt Welfare Reform, Investing in SocietyWelfare Reform

Northern Ireland is yet to feel the full force of austerity cuts and Welfare Reform is still not implemented. We spoke to the leader of England's charities to find out exactly what we can expect.