Choice welcome Welfare Mitigations clarity
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice said:
“Choice Housing welcomes the recent clarity provided by the Communities Minister regarding the future of welfare mitigations in Northern Ireland. The much needed extension of the welfare mitigation scheme will protect the most vulnerable in our society from undue financial pressures at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
“To date, the changes to the welfare system in Northern Ireland have created uncertainty across the social housing sector, with many tenants unsure of how it affected them and how they would manage with expected cuts or decreases in much needed welfare payments. Clarity with regards to the bedroom tax and benefit cap will provide comfort to tenants who were facing financial pressures.
“Our Financial Inclusion team, who provide tailored advice and support to tenants on a range of financial support measures will continue to work with tenants to help them understand what this announcement means for them.
“The commitment from the Department for Communities to put in place appropriate monitoring and evaluation structures around the welfare mitigation scheme is also to be welcomed. Real time assessment will allow for a programme that meets the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.
