Welfare reform bill presented to assembly

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today presented the Welfare Reform Bill to the Assembly.

She is requesting that the Assembly grant accelerated passage to the Bill, which has already been agreed by the Social Development Committee. This will ensure that people in Northern Ireland will enjoy the benefits of the new legislation with the minimum of delay.

The Bill introduces Employment and Support Allowance to replace the current Incapacity Benefit and provides individuals with more appropriate support to enable them to stay in or return to work. It includes provision for the introduction of a Local Housing Allowance across the private rented sector

It will also make it easier for people suffering from dust-related diseases such as mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions to gain compensation where their previous employer has ceased to carry on business.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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