To ask the Minister for Social Development when he plans to introduce regulations confirming the non-application of the under-occupancy charge in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Executive confirmed in, ‘A Fresh Start: the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan’ the Social Sector Size Criteria, also known as the ‘Bedroom Tax’ or ‘under-occupancy charge’, will not apply in Northern Ireland.

The Welfare Reform Mitigations Working Group report led by Professor Eileen Evason welcomed this provision to provide full mitigation of the Social Sector Size Criteria for Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Association tenants. I am currently considering options which will deliver the Executive’s commitment that current and future claimants will not be impacted by the Social Sector Size Criteria.