The appointment of a Northern Ireland expert to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is a significant development in shaping national social security policy, bringing much-needed local knowledge and direct experience to the table. The SSAC's role in scrutinising complex secondary legislation has just been enhanced by a member who heads a Social Security Unit at Law Centre NI.
The new appointee brings extensive expertise in providing specialist support to the public and the local advice sector, offering a unique insight into how proposed legislation might impact individuals – particularly in Northern Ireland, where socio-economic dynamics are distinct. The SSAC's current work includes scrutinising new regulations and conducting independent research to inform policy.
A recent hybrid stakeholder engagement event in Northern Ireland, hosted by Law Centre NI, further highlighted the connection between local expertise and national policy-making. Key stakeholders from across the region attended, receiving updates on SSAC's functions and recent achievements, as well as a platform to highlight specific issues impacting communities in Northern Ireland.
A notable outcome was SSAC's proactive scrutiny of The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2026 – the 'Right to Try' Regulations. The committee advised that the initial draft would not sufficiently achieve its stated policy intent of safeguarding claimants with disabilities or health conditions from losing entitlements if they try work. This timely intervention led to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions accepting four of SSAC's five recommendations, with one recommendation partially accepted.
This 'stitch in time' approach is proving invaluable, allowing potential deficiencies in proposed legislation to be identified and addressed before laws are passed – benefiting both the Department for Work and Pensions and the individuals interacting directly with social security policies. The SSAC's independent work programme focuses on gathering evidence and enriching the debate on current social security challenges.