AQW 36434/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 27/11/2025
Answered On Date: 13/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of the UK Government’s announcement that the two-child limit in Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit will be abolished, to detail (i) any specific actions he intends to take in the next 30 days; and (ii) any further measures he will put in place before the end of this financial year, to alleviate poverty in Northern Ireland, prior to that change taking effect.

Answer:

My officials will continue to work to ensure that these changes can be delivered in Northern Ireland at the same time as the rest of the UK.

I would encourage any families that are struggling, or in crisis, to contact the ‘Make the Call’ team to ensure they are accessing all the benefits they are entitled to. This may include the Universal Credit New Claims Grant or Discretionary Support.