Working for change

The independent advice network is working to give a voice to people in Northern Ireland who are adversely affected by social policies such as social security, housing and income adequacy.

Campaign:

Welfare Reform

Check out the facts on Welfare Reform

The Myth

It is only the unemployed or sick that will be affected by welfare reform

The Facts

One aspect of welfare reform is the introduction of universal credit to replace a number of existing benefits (planned to be introduced in 2017)
Universal Credit will replace Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit which are frequently claimed by low income families or workers.

Why this matters

The Northern Ireland (Welfare Reform) Act was given Royal Assent on 25th November 2015. This provides for significant changes to the benefits system.

Campaign:

Kevin Higgins talks Welfare Reform mitigations on Sunday Politics

Why this matters

Our Head of Policy, Kevin Higgins, spoke with Mark Carruthers on Sunday Politics Northern Ireland about the looming March 2020 mitigations cliff edge.

Campaign:

Food Poverty

Why this matters

Food banks fulfil a vital role as they help to support people who find themselves or their families without food. Over the last few years particularly as a result of the economic downturn there has been a rapid growth of food banks providing emergency help and assistance to people across Northern Ireland. In order to help understand the rise in reliance of people on emergency food Advice NI has carried out research.

Campaign:

Benefit Freeze

Why this matters

The [Work & Pensions] Committee has compiled evidence that shows that ending the benefits freeze a year early, [in 2019], would lift 200,000 people out of poverty. Read the latest briefing paper on the benefit freeze from our policy team.

Campaign:

Welfare Reform Mitigations

Why this matters

We’re heading towards a Welfare Reform Mitigations cliffedge and thousands of vulnerable people across Northern Ireland may be facing a substantial drop in income. Read the latest mitigations discussion paper by Professor Eileen Evason and our head of Policy, Kevin Higgins.

Campaign:

Finance Support

Why this matters

Finance Support is the unit responsible for managing the new social welfare financial support funds. Read the latest briefing paper from our policy team that covers the eligibility criteria and how to apply.