SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the statement from Communities Minister that the Department will not be seeking to collect some benefits overpayments for the next three months.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I welcome the statement from the Minister that recovery of some benefit overpayments and loans will be paused for three months, in response to COVID-19.
“Given the financial stress many people find themselves in as a result of this pandemic, this is a positive move and will provide some relief for people.
“Many people across the North will see an increase in the amount of benefits they receive for the next three months, which is good news in the current context.”
“However, the Department can and should go further to protect people throughout this pandemic.
“There are a number of deductions that will still continue, including deductions for repayment of a Universal Credit advance payment.
“The Minister must urgently clarify if this pause in collections includes people who received an advance on Universal Credit during COVID-19.
“While this is good news, it does not go far enough.
The Minister should consider urgently if there are any other mitigations she can provide or collections she can pause.
“The Department of Communities engages with some of the most vulnerable in our society. They must do all they can to protect people from hardship.”
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