Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has welcomed today’s announcement that the Executive has agreed to extend welfare mitigations to 2028.

The party’s communities spokesperson said:

“It is positive news that the Executive has today agreed to extend welfare mitigations to 2028 to protect our most vulnerable in society.

“The mitigations package, which includes support for people impacted by the transition from DLA to PIP, the benefit cap and bedroom tax, continues to play an important role in protecting people against some of the worst aspects of Tory cuts.

“While the previous Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey removed the end date for the bedroom tax, the remaining mitigations required Executive agreement to continue beyond March 2025.

“I want to acknowledge the role of organisations such as the Cliff Edge Coalition and others who have tirelessly campaigned around this and other issues associated with mitigation against cuts.

“Moving forward, the Labour government must break with the Tories’ old ways, and build a fairer benefits system that supports workers and families.”