SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the policy has failed to meet its aims of incentivising parents into employment, instead exacerbating rates of poverty and pushing a growing number of families into crisis.
He expressed serious concerns that unique circumstances in Northern Ireland and the incoming migration of over a quarter of a million legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit, will see thousands more families hit by the cruel policy.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Currently there are almost 7,000 families impacted by this callous two child benefit cap in the North, that’s almost four times the level in 2019.
“The policy introduced under Welfare Reform has been a key driver in rising child poverty across the UK.
“We’ve yet to feel the full impact of this calamitous policy but with the planned migration of tax credit households, I fear the situation will reach fever pitch in the months ahead and will see thousands more families living on the breadline.
“Child Poverty Action Group has estimated that over 50% of children in families with more than two children across the UK will be in poverty by 2026 as a result of this cap.
“That figure is likely to be higher in NI given the prevalence of bigger families and in the context of the current political stalemate.
“This region also has the highest number of children living in low-income households when compared with other jurisdictions in the UK.
“The shortfall of 600 frontline staff within the Department for Communities due to continued budget pressures, will not only slow down the delivery of benefits for those in need but critically, it spells chaos for the migration of Tax Credits claimants.
“Universal Credit is a complex system and without appropriate support to navigate problems, including the 5-week wait, the consequences could be serious for claimants resulting in distress, budgeting difficulties, debt and rent arrears.
“I urged successive Communities Ministers to mitigate against this policy in previous welfare mitigation legislation and had hoped it would be addressed ahead of the transition of legacy benefits.
“Sadly, the DUPs intransigence has prevented those protections being enacted. Westminster has a duty to step in now to reverse this cruel policy and reduce suffering.”
