Debate contribution: Right to Try Scheme
Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on .
- MLA
- Mr Gordon Lyons
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 15 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Right to Try Scheme
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5614020
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) legislation was subject to scrutiny by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), which found that the amendments did not give claimants the clarity or assurance needed to remove the fear of reassessment. The scrutiny highlighted the fact that, although work itself would not trigger reassessment, work activities could still be interpreted as evidence of improved functional capability. That could impact on future work capability assessments or personal independence payment (PIP) decisions. The SSAC also raised concerns that claimants returning to universal credit (UC) may face stricter conditionality requirements and be exposed to a greater threat of sanctions. After considering the risks identified by the SSAC, I have decided to monitor DWP's implementation of the scheme before bringing forward equivalent legislation for Northern Ireland. That does not result in any material change to the delivery of benefits to people with disabilities in Northern Ireland and preserves the flexibility to legislate later if DWP implementation proves effective and the response to the scheme is positive.
170 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.