Byrne addresses Strabane and District Citizens Advice Bureau AGM on Welfare Reform

On Thursday 28^th of November the Strabane and District Citizens Advice Bureau held their Annual General Meeting with West Tyrone SDLP MLA the guest speaker on the issue of Welfare Reform.

Speaking at the meeting Mr Byrne said “People across the North are already suffering because of welfare cuts, many of which are being imposed prior to the introduction of universal credit.”

“Let me be clear: the SDLP does not oppose the idea of simplifying the social security process. We do not oppose in any way the concept of getting people back to work when or if they are able. We do not oppose welfare reform, but we do oppose unfair reform and unfair is precisely what many of the reforms are.”

“Although the Conservative welfare agenda is hurting vulnerable people across these islands, its impact will be even harsher here in Northern Ireland. The levels of disadvantage and disability, the emotional, mental and physical needs resulting from years of conflict and the risk of alienation mean that welfare needs are significantly different here.”

“The SDLP accepts the need to prevent people from abusing the system, but we must not create a system that abuses people. Changes to housing benefit are also certain to have a much more pronounced impact over the coming months. The change to the upper age limit for the shared accommodation rate has the potential to make thousands of young men and women homeless or result in them living in substandard conditions.”

“We in the SDLP support incentives for people to get off benefits. However, there must also be work for people to get into. Any Government should focus on job creation rather than austerity measures that only serve to perpetuate the dire economic situation.

“The SDLP has been consistent in its opposition to the Tory bedroom tax which will affect over 32,000 people in the north, many vulnerable, if it comes into effect. We won’t let this happen and will lodge our petition of concern if necessary to kill it. The SDLP are striving to make a difference for the good of all and the protection of the vulnerable.”