Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen has called on Sinn Fein to end their veto of the Northern Ireland Assembly, in order to renew welfare mitigations post March 2020 and work to address the many other pressures facing public services.

Andy Allen MBE, MLA said:

“We are now only six months away from the current welfare mitigations package coming to an end. These mitigations have been essential in shielding many local households from some of the worst and most flawed aspects of welfare reform.

“Some 34,000 households are at present being protected from the bedroom tax. These are individuals and families who are simply unable to downsize due to a lack of available housing stock.

“Whilst the legislation for the current welfare mitigations measures expires in March 2020, Sinn Fein’s Alex Maskey has claimed that many of the key welfare mitigations can continue beyond March 2020 without legislation or a new minister being in place. That is simply not the case.  The Department for Communities is clear that the decision on any new or extended measures can only be a matter for incoming Ministers.

“Alex Maskey has suggested making mitigation payments through the discretionary housing payment scheme. This will not adequately address the problem and will only be a sticking plaster without the adhesive. It won`t be administered automatically, so there is no guarantee those who need the payment will receive the required top-up and there will be additional administrative pressures.   

“Even the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee report on the issue, published only two weeks ago, was clear that new legislation was needed. Sinn Fein need to stick to the facts and accept that they, and their ongoing decision to block the restoration of the Assembly, are the single biggest barrier to a future mitigations package being put in place.

“It is morally unacceptable that thousands will be adversely impacted because Sinn Fein continue to veto the return of the Assembly. 

“The Ulster Unionist Party has engaged, and will continue to engage, with other parties, the Department for Communities and the Secretary of State on this important matter. The Department for Communities has been unequivocal that it does not have the power to extend the mitigations beyond March 2020. Unless there is a return to Stormont or the Secretary of State steps in, mitigations cannot be extended. The choice is clear – end the veto and get devolution restored or it has to be more direct rule.”