
Controversy over roll-out of universal credit and the so-called 'rape clause'
Controversy over roll-out of universal credit and the so-called 'rape clause' - shadow NI secretary Owen Smith hits out over benefit system changes.
"The Tories are just making matters worse for women and professionals in NI with this deceitful defence of their appalling rape clause" the words of Shadow Secretary of State Owen Smith this morning. He's referring to one of the most controversial elements of Universal Credit. The rape clause is the name critics have given to the Conservative government's plans to restrict child tax credits and Universal Credit to a parent's first two children. Benefits for any subsequent children can be paid if their mothers declare they were conceived by rape. Stephen spoke to Owen Smith, BBC NI Economics and Business Editor John Campbell, NI Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory and Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw.
Also on the programme, more than 100,000 parking fines dished out across NI since the start of the year. Our Vinny brings you the on-Street Car Parking countdown, and we get reaction from Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts and commentator Jeff Gazzard.
And, today is BBC's Children in Need! Stephen was joined in the studio by Hugo Duncan, Nicola Weir and Pudsey himself.
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UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Northern Ireland's director of public prosecutions Barra McGrory responds to rape clause concerns
Benefit change controversy - Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw on 'rape clause' concerns
RHI INQUIRY
Broadcast
- Fri 17 Nov 201709:03BBC Radio Ulster & BBC Radio Foyle




