Roundtable with Institute for Fiscal Studies

27 March 2015

The Human Rights Commission is today facilitating a roundtable discussion on social security reforms in Northern Ireland.

NIHRC Chief Commissioner Les Allamby commented:

“The purpose of today is to examine social security reforms in light of the Stormont House Agreement proposals and to take stock of the current situation. The Commission has identified protecting human rights in a time of austerity as an ongoing priority. In carrying out this work, we continue to monitor Governments compliance with protecting the right to an adequate standard of living.”

The roundtable includes a presentation from David Phillips, Senior Research Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies who specialises in financial devolution issues. David will provide an overview of tax, social security reforms and the impact to date on Northern Ireland, compared with the impact elsewhere in the UK. The presentation will also look at:

• the income distributional impact of the social security changes to date and those proposed based on what is currently in the public domain

• the trade-off between social security flexibilities proposed and other expenditure

• the wider fiscal context in terms of UK political parties known plans for tax and social security

• and a discussion on the mitigation measures proposed in the Stormont House Agreement.

Today’s attendees include a mix of senior civil servants, academics, advice NGOs and charities working with people in poverty.

Further information:

For further information please contact Claire Martin at claire.martin@nihrc.org or on 02890243987.

Notes to editors:

1. The Commission’s current Strategic Priorities include Protecting Human Rights in a Time of Austerity. Through this priority the Commission has made a commitment to closely monitor the State’s compliance with its socio-economic duties, including that of ensuring an adequate standard of living. View the Commission’s current Strategic Plan.

2. Stakeholders have been invited to a Chatham House Rule Roundtable on Social Security Reforms on Tuesday 26 March 2015 at the Commission offices in Belfast.

3. Find out more about the Institute for Fiscal Studies. You can also access David’s presentation here.