North 'Not London': Says Attwood

There has been a claim today that London-imposed welfare reforms 'won't work in the North'.

Stormont Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has met with Lord Freud at Westminster who is responsible for the Welfare Forum.

Following the meeting, the SDLP Minister Alex Attwood said: "I made it clear to Lord Freud that the welfare reforms being discussed by the coalition government won't work in Northern Ireland.

"The fact is that Northern Ireland is very different and needs to be treated differently.

"My sense is that Lord Freud heard and understood my arguments. I will now work hard to drive my arguments home," he said.

"There are three big differences between Belfast and London," the senior politician continued.

"Firstly, it is certain that Northern Ireland will emerge from recession far later than Britain.

"Welfare reforms that purport to get people back to work require by their nature work opportunities. This may not happen for many years and this makes it different and welfare proposals won't work here," he insisted.

"Secondly, there are deeper levels of deprivation in NI which results in bigger reasons for people being on benefits. Welfare policy must reflect this. London proposals do not."

He also claimed that, since, devolution is "still young", the local institutions are still growing.

"Stability of the community, particular in areas of need must be protected. Welfare proposals and any other government proposals must be assessed by these particular needs. Stability must not be jeopardised.

"Lord Freud worked in Belfast before. I believe he understands our past experiences and different needs. I shall be working to ensure that this is reflected in the welfare regime that will prevail in the future," Mr Attwood concluded.

(BMcC/GK)