Social security office fight is taken to Stormont steps

Social security office fight is taken to Stormont steps

16 November 2016

A PROTEST against the proposed closure of local social security offices was held at Stormont yesterday.

Members of staff, members of the public, council officials and community representatives attended to lobby the Department of Communities on the plans, which would see offices in Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Cookstown close under a new centralisation of services.

NIPSA union representatives addressed the crowd and spoke of the need to retain the social security offices, describing them as vital services.

An adjournment debate on the issue followed in the chamber, brought forward by Sinn Fein Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon.

Since the consultation process was announced in August local politicians have warned such closures would have a detrimental impact on vulnerable people forced to travel further and at greater expense for essential services.

They also criticised Communities Minister Paul Givan for failing to meet with them on the issue. Instead Newry Mourne and Down Council was informed that a meeting would be facilitated with senior officials.

This cross-party meeting took place yesterday at the local council offices with Department of Communities Deputy Secretary Tommy O’Reilly.

Speaking afterwards, councillor Billy Walker said it had been a forthright but useful conversation.

“There was a lot of frank talk,” he said. “The bottom line is that Ballynahinch and Newcastle must retained at all cost. This is affecting the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We told Mr O’Reilly that in no uncertain terms.

“Credit where credit is due, Mr O’Reilly listened to what we had to say as councillors and said he would feed it into the process.

“He did say the minister has not made any decision.