Phil Flanagan and Sinn Fein are opposed to the welfare reform
THE TRUE cost of cuts to welfare in the county has been laid bare, with almost a third of the population here in danger of losing up to hundreds of pounds per month.
If the proposed cuts are approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly, close to 20,000 people in Fermanagh could lose a combined £17m in various government benefits.
A breakdown of where losses will occur has been revealed – and could prove frightening viewing for many households here.
The 1,800 people here on incapacity benefits could each lose £275 per month, while those currently on disability living allowance, some 2,000, could each lose £125 per month, according to a new report by Sheffield Hallam University.
The figures relate to five government benefits which could be cut.
The £17 million would be taken from: Incapacity benefits, tax credits, disability living allowance, child benefits and housing benefits.
And, Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan said these cuts would make a ‘bad situation worse’ for families here.
“Too many families in Fermanagh are already living from hand to mouth, worrying about how they are going to pay the next bill. For the first time in Fermanagh, there are more people working who are in poverty than those out of work.
“There are also serious problems with growing household debt in the county, and these cuts would only make a bad situation worse.”
He added: “The introduction of welfare cuts in Britain has plunged tens of thousands of people, who were already struggling, deeper into poverty. We will not allow the same situation to unfold here.”
While Welfare Reform has already been implemented in Britain, the Bill has not been passed in the assembly, due to conflicting views between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
Because of that failure to implement the cuts here, the budget for Northern Ireland is due to be cut by £87m. The DUP are seeking an agreement to avoid any further penalties, while Sinn Fein remains opposed to the cuts.
The party held a day of action on Saturday, obtaining signatures from concerned parties across Enniskillen, Lisnaskea and Irvinestown.
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