Ritchie secures passage of the welfare reform bill

New legislation to help break down the barriers that have prevented people from getting into the workplace and staying in work has completed its passage through the Assembly.

The Bill introduces an Employment and Support Allowance to replace the current incapacity benefits. Speaking after the Final Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill in the Assembly, Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie said:

“I am very pleased that the Welfare Reform Bill is the first piece of legislation to complete its passage through the Assembly. We cannot overestimate the important role social security plays in supporting people, particularly some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“We cannot afford to write people off simply because they have a medical condition or a disability. We cannot deny them the basic right to work and the chance to fulfil their potential.

“But this Bill is not about forcing people off benefit and into work. Quite the contrary – it is about helping and supporting people to return to work when they are fit to do so.”

The Bill contains a number of other provisions, for example, to simplify the Housing Benefit scheme, and to clarify and simplify existing social security law. The Bill also makes it easier for people suffering from certain dust-related illnesses such as mesothelioma to gain a compensation payment where their previous employer has ceased to carry on business. In welcoming this, Minister Ritchie said:

“Unfortunately far too many in our society are aware of the effects of these debilitating and frequently terminal illnesses. I am sure that we all welcome this change in the law to help make the process of claiming compensation that little bit easier”.

The Minister also paid tribute to the support she received from across the Assembly:

“I am very grateful for the support of my fellow Ministers and indeed from across the Assembly in securing the passage of this very important piece of legislation.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Welfare Reform Bill can be accessed at http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/legislation/primary/2007/niabill1_07.htm
2. The Bill will now be sent for Royal Assent.
3. Media enquiries to the Department for Social Development Press office on 028 9082 9497.