Recommendation 3

The high cost of living in Northern Ireland has contributed to a ‘cruel storm’ which paramilitary groups are exploiting to target vulnerable individuals. Single mothers in precarious financial situations are being targeted by paramilitary groups engaging in illegal money lending practices. The structure of universal credit, the lack of a childcare strategy, and expense of childcare in Northern Ireland all contribute to the precarious financial situation in which some families find themselves. The Northern Ireland Office must engage in discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions as soon as possible to improve access to universal credit in Northern Ireland, as well as developing schemes to better connect people to existing credit services. The Government should also engage with a re-established Executive to share best practice towards the development of a childcare strategy for Northern Ireland.