Welfare Reform Bill in NI Assembly

Just starting a thread to capture some of the twists and turns as the Welfare Reform Bill continues its journey through the NI Assembly

Some background @

- Welfare Reform Bill in Northern Ireland passes through its consideration stage (February 2015)

- Legislation to give effect to welfare changes to be brought before Northern Ireland Assembly in January 2015 (December 2014)

- Treasury set to impose £5m per month penalty on Northern Ireland for failing to pass Welfare Reform Bill (December 2013)

The Bill is currently at its further consideration stage and you can track its progress @ http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/legislation/primary-legislation-current-bills/welfare-reform-bill/

Some updates via Twitter from the Ulster Law Clinic (https://twitter.com/UlsterLawClinic) -

- DSD Minister will consider a new contract for the independent advice sector during implementation of #welfarereform https://twitter.com/UlsterLawClinic/status/570363108020985858

- #WelfareReform Bill: Disability protection scheme: payment will be made to DLA claimants appealing adverse PIP decision https://twitter.com/UlsterLawClinic/status/570364257277050880

- #WelfareReform Bill: Disability protection scheme - additional money for DLA claimants who get lower payment under PIP https://twitter.com/UlsterLawClinic/status/570364894110879745

- Claimants with troubles-related disabilities who don’t meet PIP criteria to be able to apply for a NI specific paymentt https://twitter.com/UlsterLawClinic/status/570365180766343168

more twists and turns

Northern Ireland Welfare Reform Bill blocked by petition of concern lodged by Sinn Fein and SDLP