AQO 2174/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Help with Health Costs Scheme consultation.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 5 June 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 5 June 2025
- Answer due by
- 17 June 2025
- Answered
- 17 June 202512 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 17 June 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Nesbitt
I assure the Member that work on the proposed changes to the legislation remains a key focus for my Department and that I am committed to ensuring that that work is completed without undue delay.
The public consultation on the proposed eligibility criteria for passporting universal credit recipients closed on 10 March. I welcome the openness, feedback and engagement from all who participated in the consultation. Officials are currently analysing the responses and compiling a consultation summary report that will be published on the departmental website in the coming weeks. In the context of the extremely difficult financial environment, implementing the existing GB thresholds remains the preferred option. That will preserve parity with the rest of the UK. It is also the most affordable to the Health budget and will ensure continuity of eligibility for the most vulnerable.
Mr Speaker
That draws to a conclusion the time for listed questions. We now move to topical questions.