SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the renaming of the Contingency Fund to ensure accessibility for new claimants seeking financial support to navigate the five-week wait for Universal Credit.
It follows an Assembly Motion tabled by the SDLP Opposition last month highlighting the impact of this wait and the link to illegal money lending.
The Contingency Fund is set to be renamed as the Universal Credit New Claims Grant with the change due to take effect from Wednesday March 26, 2025.
The Foyle MLA commented: “This is a small but welcome win in the fight against illegal money lending and the damaging five-week wait for Universal Credit.
“Many claimants weren’t aware that the Contingency Fund existed, in part due to the name and the complicated application process has made it even harder to access.
“A simple name change may seem minor but it’s a crucial step toward improving accessibility and ensuring those in need can get help before turning to dangerous illegal money lending.
“There’s still more to do but this is a step in the right direction.
“We’ll keep pushing for further change to ensure this provision is properly funded, that more grants are issued and that low-income households are not forced into debt when migrating to Universal Credit.
“This is a clear example of a constructive Opposition in action, holding the Executive to account and pushing for changes that will directly benefit some of our most vulnerable.”
