The closure of bedroom tax and benefit cap loopholes in welfare mitigation schemes has been hailed as an "important step" to "protect those most in need in our society."
Legislation from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to close "loopholes" in these schemes has been passed by the Stormont Assembly on February 8.
It means that around 260 families across Northern Ireland will receive average payments of almost £500 per year, while around 640 households will become eligible for mitigation payments.
