COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 11 JUNE 2009
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr David Simpson MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Thomas Burns MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr Alban Maginness MLA
Mr Fra McCann MLA
Miss Michelle McIlveen MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Mr John Devlin (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mrs Sheila Mawhinney (Clerical Supervisor)
Miss Allison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Ms Eleanor Murphy (Assembly Research & Library Services)
(Item 8)
Apologies:
Mr Billy Armstrong MLA
Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr David Hilditch MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
The meeting began in public session at 11.05am.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2.1 Draft minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2009
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 21 May 2009 were agreed.
2.2 Draft minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2009
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 28 May 2009 were agreed.
3. Matters arising
3.1 Actions arising from Meeting of 28 May 2009
The Committee considered actions from the meeting of 28 May 2009
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking answers to the outstanding questions from the Belfast Strategic Regeneration Frameworks briefing.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking a follow-up briefing in relation to the Strategic Guidelines for the Social Housing Development Programme and the related Equality Impact Assessment.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking further information on the policies for supporting Community Networks, and details of the funding arrangements for the Community Investment Fund, up to the implementation of the Reform of Public Administration.
3.2 Egan Contractors
The Committee considered its response to the Department regarding the Egan contractors’ briefing of 21 May 2009.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the following motion should be tabled in the Business Office:
“That this Assembly calls on the Minister for Social Development, in view of the adverse economic impact suffered by the employees of Egan contractors, to increase the budget allocation for Decent Homes and related programmes and to ensure that future communication with contractors complies with Egan principles.”
3.3 Licensed Premises and Police Powers of Temporary Closure
The Committee noted follow-up information from Assembly Research and Library Services, into the use of police powers in England and Wales to temporarily close licensed premises.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should invite the Police Service of Northern Ireland to provide evidence during the Committee Stage of the Liquor Licensing and the Registration of Clubs Bill.
3.4 Enterprise Trade and Investment (ETI) Committee Take Note Debate
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the ETI Committee summarising the concerns of the construction industry in respect of the economic downturn and the Committee’s view on the issue.
3.5 Late Papers
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk would continue to monitor the number of delayed papers from the Department.
3.6 Visit by Minister Knight – Department for Work and Pensions
The Clerk advised Members on the planned visit by Mr Jim Knight, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform at the Department for Work and Pensions.
4. 2009-10 Budget – Departmental briefing
The following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 11.24am:
Barney McGahan – Deputy Secretary, Resources, Housing & Social Security Group; Stephen McMurray – Director of Financial Management; Heather Cousins – Director of Housing; and Mel Higgins – Resource Accountant
The officials briefed the Committee on the 2009-10 Budget.
Mr Thomas Burns left the meeting at 11.53am
The Chairperson thanked the officials for their briefing.
The officials left the meeting at 11.57am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking the following information:
- The budgets, outturn and projected uptake for the Special Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings scheme;
- The anticipated level of demand for the Mortgage Rescue Scheme;
- Details of the actual and planned transfer of land under the Department’s control to support social housing projects; and
- A breakdown of Urban Regeneration expenditure on community and voluntary sector schemes.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should also write to the Department seeking a briefing on the report – commissioned from Savills - on the condition of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive housing stock.
5. Local Housing Allowance – Housing Rights Service briefing
The following representatives of the Housing Rights Service joined the meeting at 12.03pm:
Nicola McCrudden – Policy Manager, Housing Rights Service; and Linda Watson – Housing Advice Development Worker, Housing Rights .
The representatives briefed the Committee on Local Housing Allowance.
The Chairperson thanked the representatives for their briefing.
The representatives left the meeting at 12.20pm.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department, highlighting the apparent Section 75 implications of the outworking of Local Housing Allowance and seeking clarification at, or before, the briefing of 25 June 2009.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Simon Community should be invited to brief the Committee on Local Housing Allowance.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that following the final briefing on the Local Housing Allowance pilot year, the Chair should write to the Office of the First and deputy First Minister, setting out the Committee’s views.
6. Proposed Subordinate Legislation
6.1 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule, The Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
6.2 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule, The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments No.2) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
6.3 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule, The Social Security (Incapacity Benefit Work-focused Interviews) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Agreed: The Committee was not content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Committee for Employment and Learning highlighting concerns in relation to training and support for Department for Employment and Learning staff carrying out work-focused interviews.
6.4 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule, The Pension Protection Fund (Entry Rules) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
6.5 Reforming the Medical Statement – Consultation of Draft Regulations
The following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 12.33pm:
John O’Neill – Director, Social Security Policy & Legislation Division; Gerry McCann – Social Security Policy & Legislation Division; and Janis Creane – Social Security Policy & Legislation Division.
The officials briefed the Committee on the consultation on the proposed reform of the medical statement.
The Chairperson thanked the officials for their briefing.
On behalf of the Committee, the Chairperson congratulated Mr John O’Neill on his impending retirement.
The officials left the meeting at 12.46am.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should forward the consultation document to the Committees for Employment and Learning and Health, Social Services and Public Safety for comment.
Agreed: It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department expressing the Committee’s broad support for the draft regulations, whilst highlighting concerns in relation to the impact of the proposed changes on SMEs and the difficulties that may face General Practitioners in providing occupational therapy advice.
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 12.46pm
7. Statutory Rules laid in the Assembly
The Committee considered the following Statutory Rule relating to the Warm Homes Scheme which has been laid in the Assembly:
7.1 2009/195 The Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule 2009/195 The Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 and subject to the Examiner’s report has no objection to the Rule.”
8. Opening Doors Strategy: Options for Advice Provision in Northern Ireland – Briefing by Assembly Research & Library Services
Assembly Research and Library Services briefed the Committee on issues relating to advice provision in Northern Ireland.
The Chairperson thanked the representative from Assembly Research and Library Services for the briefing.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should forward the suggested questions from the research paper to the Department, for comment at the meeting of 2 July 2009.
9. Correspondence
Ministerial:
9.1 The Committee noted Ministerial correspondence on issues concerning Household Fuel Payments .
9.2 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister providing details of the timetable for the revised ILEX regeneration plan.
9.3 The Committee considered Ministerial correspondence on the outcome of consultations on the Draft Regeneration Framework for the Northside Urban Village.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should seek a briefing from the Department on the Northside Urban Village project after the Summer Recess.
Departmental:
9.4 The Committee noted Departmental correspondence providing details of its preparation for the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards.
9.5 The Committee considered correspondence from the Committee for Finance and Personnel in relation to the scrutiny of policies pertaining to Varney’s recommendations.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking information on if and how policies are being delivered and monitored against Varney’s recommendations.
9.6 The Committee noted Departmental correspondence providing details of the evidence provided to the Committee for Finance and Personnel in respect of Varney Review II and Strategic Economic Issues.
9.7 The Committee noted a Departmental Invitation to attend an event to announce the appointment of the members of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
9.8 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department on the use of local building firms by Housing Associations.
9.9 The Committee noted the Department’s response to an Environment Committee request for information to inform their Inquiry into Climate Change.
9.10 The Committee noted a Departmental response to an Environment Committee query concerning sustainability issues.
9.11 The Committee noted Departmental correspondence providing information on the possible use of debt financing by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to provide social housing.
9.12 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department providing a response to Committee queries on the EQIA of the Strategic Business Review of the Social Security Agency.
Other Correspondence:
9.13 The Committee considered correspondence from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland seeking an opportunity to brief the Committee on issues relating to housing and accommodation inequalities faced by members of the Travelling Community.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland and arrange a briefing on this issue, after the Summer Recess.
9.14 The Committee considered correspondence from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland seeking an opportunity to brief the Committee on issues relating to the Private Rented Sector Strategy consultation document, “Building Sound Foundations”.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it would consider whether a briefing from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland was necessary following the Departmental summary briefing on the Private Rented Sector consultation.
9.15 The Committee considered correspondence from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland seeking an opportunity to brief the Committee on issues relating to the Housing (Amendment) Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should add the Chartered Institute of Housing to the list of prospective witnesses for the Committee Stage of the Housing (Amendment) Bill.
9.16 The Committee considered correspondence from the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland advising the Committee of the launch of the Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should invite the Chair of the Commission to brief the Committee, at the conclusion of the Commission’s review.
9.17 The Committee considered a briefing paper from the Fold Housing Association on funding for Supporting People.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider its response to the briefing paper, along with the other responses received from Supporting People organisations, at a later date.
9.18 The Committee considered a briefing paper from Woman’s Aid on funding for Supporting People.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider its response to the briefing paper, along with the other responses received from Supporting People organisations, at a later date.
9.19 The Committee considered correspondence from the Northern Ireland Amusement Caterer’s Trade Association outlining their position in relation to the introduction of legislation to replace the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements ( Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should invite the Northern Ireland Amusement Caterer’s Trade Association to brief the Committee at the Committee Stage of the proposed gambling legislation.
9.20 The Committee considered a memo from the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure requesting that the Committee forward an invitation to the Department to attend a seminar on the promotion and use of townland names – to be held on Wednesday, 17 June 2009 in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should forward the correspondence to the Department.
9.21 The Committee considered correspondence from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister asking the Committee for its comments relating to the proposals for the transfer of responsibilities for administrative support for Tribunals sponsored by Northern Ireland Departments, to the NI Court Service, as part of a reform of the NI tribunal system.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister advising of the Social Development Committee’s support for the proposal but highlighting concerns in relation to the independence of tribunals.
9.22 The Committee noted correspondence from the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee enclosing details of financial support made available to SMEs.
9.23 The Committee considered a memo from the Environment Committee requesting that a request be forwarded to the Department in relation to social housing standards.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should forward the correspondence to the Department.
9.24 The Committee noted correspondence from CTS Projects regarding the Warm Homes Scheme new contract.
9.25 The Committee noted the 2008/09 Annual Report of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.
Invitations:
9.26 The Committee noted an invitation from Barnardo’s (Northern Ireland) and Action for Children (Northern Ireland) to attend a seminar to explore the role and varying models of family support in alleviating poverty for children and families.
9.27 The Committee noted an invitation from the Sustainable Development Commission to attend an event entitled: “A Green New Deal for Northern Ireland”.
Miscellaneous:
9.28 The Committee noted correspondence from Capita conferences providing a copy of a programme for their conference entitled Steering Young People Away From Crime.
9.29 The Committee noted correspondence from Safehouse Arts Space Gallery providing Members with a copy of their programme of educational activities for members and students.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to move into closed session for the next items of business.
The meeting moved into closed session at 1.08pm
10. Town Centre Regeneration – Draft Committee report
The Clerk updated Members on the draft recommendations of the Committee Inquiry into Town Centre Regeneration.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the draft recommendations.
Agreed: The Committee also agreed that an additional recommendation should be added in relation to the management of public works.
11. Forward Work Programme
The Clerk outlined future items of business for the Committee as set out in the forward work programme.
12. Any other business
12.1 Committee visit to Scottish Neighbourhood Renewal projects
The Clerk provided Member’s with an itinerary for the Committee visit to Neighbourhood Renewal projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow, on 18 & 19 June 2009.
13. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 25 June 2009 at 11.00am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.26pm.