Statement

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE PROPOSALS STILL FAILING NORTH DOWN 

Posted on: April 30, 2009

“When Social Development Minister announced a few months ago proposed changes in the provision of Social Security Offices, she met with considerable criticism, that these were the wrong proposals at the wrong time. At the time indications were given that the issue was being reviewed by the Department, but judging from the statement by the Minister this week on the implementation of the Strategic Business Review, little has been learned by the Department, and little improved, particularly as regards the people of North Down. 

While the Minister is putting in place an other couple of main offices in Northern Ireland as a whole, there is no material benefit to North Down. It is still proposed that we will be left without a major Social Security Office  in the constituency, and along with East Antrim, we will be the only other constituency not to have one. Bangor will be the largest town or city in Northern Ireland without a main office. Leaving aside for the moment the obvious inequality against people in North Down, it is highly questionable as to whether this will lead to any improvement in terms of service to constituents, and to implement a rationalisation of Social Security Office provision at a time when there is rising unemployment, and a greater need for provision beggars belief. The Minister indicated that she was taking on board the criticism, but it must be made clear that she think again over these proposals. Cosmetic changes are simply not good enough.”