NI: Use of court houses for benefit appeals has cut costs
Reading time: 1 minute
Naomi Long
The use of court houses for benefit appeal hearings in Northern Ireland has delivered reduced waiting times and costs, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Although recognising that the matter is “a source of debate”, Ms Long defended the practice in response to a written Assembly question from Sinn Féin’s John O’Dowd.
Mr O’Dowd said some Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants suffer stress attending a “court building environment”, particularly those suffering from physical and mental health issues.
Ms Long said: “The use of court houses has reduced delay to appellants and has reduced costs associated with rental of suitable venues to the Department for Communities, as well as offering better access to private waiting space and consultation rooms than many alternative venues.
“Ultimately, statutory responsibility for the appeals service lies with Department for Communities and the listing of benefit appeals is a matter for that Department.
“I will work closely with the Minister for Communities to review the suitability of court accommodation for appellants who are attending benefit appeal hearings.”
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss articles like this one:
SUBSCRIBE
