Frances McGrath

Andersonstown in Belfast and Banbridge are the latest areas in  Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 27 June 2018.

Universal Credit will replace Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and income related Employment and Support Allowance.  Anyone of working age who gets these benefits will be affected.

Housing Rights has become the first organisation in Northern Ireland to receive a prestigious new business standard award for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

We were presented with our BS76005 Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion award at a recent event at Stormont.

Peter McMahon, Head of Business Services with Housing Rights commented:

Lurgan, Newcastle and Kilkeel are the next areas in Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 30 May 2018.

This new benefit will replace Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and income related Employment and Support Allowance.  Anyone of working age who gets these benefits will be affected.

One of our prison housing advisers recently helped a vulnerable client secure suitable accommodation on her release from prison.

Jenny was in prison following an arson offence on her previous home. Before this she had lived a relatively settled life.  She did have one other previous conviction prior to the arson offence but following the death of her husband her mental health had deteriorated, culminating in her trying to set fire to her home.