Welfare reform cannot be used to wage a war on those on benefits: Attwood

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood today met with Secretary of State for work and pensions Iain Duncan Smith to discuss welfare reform.

Alex Attwood described his meeting as 'useful and forthright'.

Speaking after the meeting, Alex Attwood 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.

"I acknowledge the work of the Centre for Social justice and its report launched today by Iain Duncan Smith. The report stated that there were a range of deep social issues in Northern Ireland and that these have been made more difficult by the legacy of the conflict. I also stressed that as this is the case, it must act as a consequence of how welfare reform proposals apply, or do not apply, in Northern Ireland."

Minister Attwood added that he 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."

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