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:

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.

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COVID-19 Support

Why this matters

Listen to our Head of Policy, Kevin Higgins, who spoke to Linda McAuley on On Your Behalf about how vulnerable people can get support during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Universal Basic Income

Why this matters

Universal Basic Income is an automatic income for every U.K. citizen. It would provide a minimum amount for every citizen, regardless of means. It aims to provide stability and security for all; reduce the need for means-tested benefits, and mitigate income shocks when a change of circumstance result in a crisis situation.

This paper explores what a UBI is, what it could achieve, and how the concept could be explored for a pilot in Northern Ireland.

Campaign:

Welfare Reform

Check out the facts on Welfare Reform

The Myth

The Social Security System is rife with fraud

The Facts

The Social Security Agency pays benefit to those who are entitled and has a responsibility to detect and investigate benefit fraud and customer error. It is estimated that Social Security benefit fraud costs about 0.5% of the Social Security Agency’s total benefit expenditure.

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.

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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:

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.

Campaign:

Universal Credit and Redundancy Payments

Why this matters

Fears are growing about a huge job loss spike in NI as the Government ‘furlough’ scheme winds down. Read the latest briefing paper from our policy team - Universal Credit and Redundancy Payments.

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.