Attwood has deep concerns about welfare plans announced today

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA has deep concerns about what has been described today as ’the most radical overhaul of the welfare system in a century’.

The plans were announced today by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith. The UK government says that the aim of the reforms is to streamline and simplify payments and improve incentives for unemployed people to get back to work.

Alex Attwood said: "I have deep and continuing concerns about London's welfare reforms. I am saying so today and will be saying so when these proposals go out for consultation here.

"Making the benefit system efficient, protecting those in need and helping people into work and out of poverty, is necessary. But past evidence shows that changes to the welfare system, including good ones, are best done in a measured way and not in a hurry.

"The cost of big changes, the stress on the social security system and most important of all, the risks of increasing vulnerability for people in need, are just some of the reasons for my deep concerns. Coming on top of recent welfare changes around medical tests for people on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and people moving from Incapacity Benefit to Employment Support Allowance (ESA), puts excessive burdens on social security staff and on people in need.

The Minister then stressed the work he has been doing to represent Northern Ireland on this issue.

"These proposals will go for consultation but with a major health warning from me. Last week I went to London, met the Welfare Reform Minister, Lord Freud and argued that Northern Ireland had particular circumstances, including high levels of deprivation and the impact of the conflict on people’s lives and experience. These factors, the character of proposed reforms and the fact that Northern Ireland will remain in recession until the end of 2012 at least, all means Northern Ireland needs both 'time out' from yet more welfare reform and maximum flexibility around welfare benefits. I believe Lord Freud gave me a fair hearing.

"This twin track approach is a means to find a path through old Tory welfare attitudes presented as coalition new thinking. At the same time, I intend to push on with the conversation around the NI Executive having more control of our financial affairs."

Notes to editors:

1. Iain Duncan Smith launched the proposals in a speech at the Bromley By Bow Centre in East London.
2. The proposals are open for consultation until 01 October 2010
3. For further information please contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9079. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.