Northern Ireland to be hit more than average by tax and benefit changes

<p><p>A series of changes to the tax and benefit system, announced both by the last government and the current one, is being implemented across the UK between January 2011 and April 2014. Some of these changes involve increases in tax payments, particularly affecting those on higher incomes. Some will reduce benefit entitlements. Their impact on the regions of the UK will depend on the incomes of the regions' residents and the degree of their dependence on benefits.</p></p>