Home About Us News and Insights Support for Health Costs in Northern Ireland now coming into line with rest of the UK. Policy Insight13th November 2025 From 1 December 2025, people in Northern Ireland who receive Universal Credit and meet certain conditions will automatically qualify for some free tests Has your Child Benefit been stopped in error? Policy Insight10th November 2025 In recent weeks HMRC has been criticised for suspending payments of Child Benefit to over 23,000 parents Child Benefit – Parents experiencing long processing delays Policy Insight21st October 2025 New parents who have applied for Child Benefit are experiencing long wait times for their applications to be processed. Have you planned your Halloween half-term childcare? Policy Insight20th October 2025 Juggling childcare over school breaks can be tricky. Find out what support is available for you. What is the reason for the lack of support for adoptive families? Policy Insight26th September 2025 Three years after the Adoption and Children Act 2022, NI families say promised support is delayed, leaving adoptive parents still struggling for help. Should children be allowed to buy energy drinks? Policy Insight18th September 2025 UK begins 12-week consultation on banning energy drink sales to under-16s, with Northern Ireland unions backing limits to protect children’s health and focus. Phone-free School Day Pilot Scheme Policy Insight18th September 2025 Northern Ireland schools launch a phone-free pilot, using magnetic pouches to boost focus, learning, and social time for 8,000 students this term. NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme Policy Insight18th September 2025 There are more childcare providers than ever helping parents reduce their childcare costs through the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme Comparing childcare support between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Policy Insight18th September 2025 A cross-border look at childcare support in Northern Ireland vs the Republic of Ireland, exploring key differences, schemes, and family impacts. Best Start in Life – New UK Government Information Website Policy Insight18th September 2025 New UK Government Information Website launched in September to replace previous Childcare Choices website. 123…67
