AQW 8864/22-27

Mr Mark Durkan
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Foyle

Tabled Date: 13/03/2024
Answered On Date: 29/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department is considering changes to the Social Sector Size Criteria-Bedroom Tax mitigation, including tapering the provision depending on household income.

Answer:

My Department has a statutory obligation to produce a report on the operation of the existing mitigation schemes before 31 March 2025. This report will include proposals for the future delivery of the welfare mitigation schemes, including the Social Sector Size Criteria (Bedroom Tax).

This matter along with other recommendations that have been made for a future mitigation package in Northern Ireland will need to be assessed in the climate of financial constraint and the requirement to ensure that budgets remain sustainable over the coming years.