§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures the Government will introduce to reduce the level of poverty and deprivation in Northern Ireland, following the report of the Child Poverty Action Group.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Government aim to provide an effective system of financial help; extra resources being targeted on those most in need. Following the reform of social security in April 1988, which gave increased levels of support to families with children, there have been other improvements, including increased help from October 1989 for disabled and older pensioners on income support or housing benefit and higher limits on savings from April 1990. There will be a general benefits uprating next April, including a real increase in the basic pensioner premium for people aged 60 to 74 on income support or housing benefit and substantial extra income support for many people being cared for in independent homes. The Government have also announced plans to improve the framework of benefits for disabled people. Additionally, the decision to set up a Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland is intended further to improve the quality and responsiveness of service to those in need of help.