Overview

This bill gives the UK government the power to make changes to social security, child support, and employment programs in Northern Ireland. It allows for amendments to existing laws and the creation of new regulations through Orders in Council, subject to parliamentary approval. The bill has a sunset clause, limiting its active period.

Description

The Northern Ireland (Welfare Reform) Bill grants the power to the UK government, via Orders in Council, to make wide-ranging changes to welfare legislation in Northern Ireland. This includes the ability to:

• Amend, repeal, or modify existing social security and child support laws.
• Apply existing laws with or without modification.
• Grant discretionary powers to relevant government bodies.
• Create or alter criminal offenses and penalties related to welfare.
• Introduce different provisions for different purposes or areas.
• Make necessary transitional provisions.
• Modify aspects of the Employment and Training Act (Northern Ireland) 1950.

Any Order in Council must be approved by both Houses of Parliament before it can be enacted. The bill includes a sunset clause, expiring on December 31, 2016, meaning no further Orders in Council can be made after that date.

Government Spending

The bill itself does not directly allocate or specify any government spending. However, the power it grants to amend social security and child support legislation could potentially lead to increases or decreases in government expenditure depending on the specific Orders in Council enacted under the bill's provisions. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The bill could affect a wide range of groups in Northern Ireland, including:

• Welfare recipients: Changes to social security and child support could alter benefit levels, eligibility criteria, or administration.
• Employers: Amendments to employment and training provisions could impact hiring practices and training opportunities.
• Government departments: New responsibilities and administrative burdens could arise from the implementation of new regulations.

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