COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
THURSDAY 15 APRIL 2010
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, STORMONT
Present:
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr Fra McCann MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Claire McCanny (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Ms Allison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Mr Craig Mealey (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Billy Armstrong MLA
Mr Thomas Burns MLA
Mr David Hilditch MLA
The meeting began in private session at 10.03am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that additional filming of Social Development Committee meetings would not be undertaken in the run-up to the Westminster General Election.
The meeting moved into public session at 10.04am.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson extended the Committee’s thanks to the outgoing Deputy Chairperson Mr David Hilditch and welcomed the new Deputy Chairperson Ms Carál Ní Chuilín.
The Chairperson advised that he was to address the following meetings as Chairperson of the Committee:
- the National Energy Action Breakfast Seminar on 26 April 2010; and
- the University of Ulster Future of Housing event on 21 May 2010.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2010
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 25 March 2010 were agreed.
4. Matters Arising
4.1 Welfare Reform Bill
The Committee considered the Welfare Reform Bill which was introduced to the Assembly on 12 April 2010.
Mr Jonathan Craig joined the meeting at 10.16am.
Mr Alex Easton left the meeting at 10.17am.
The Committee considered correspondence from the Chairperson of the Employment and Learning Committee requesting an urgent Departmental briefing on the Welfare Reform Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the correspondence from the Chairperson of the Employment and Learning Committee would be forwarded to the Minister.
Mr Alex Easton rejoined the meeting at 10.20am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should circulate additional background information relating to the Welfare Reform Bill.
4.2 The Social Fund Reform Consultation
The Committee considered the consultation paper from the Department for Work and Pensions entitled: Social Fund Reform: Debt, Credit and Low Income Households.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the Clerk should draft and submit a response to the consultation. The response should indicate the Committee’s support for: access from Day One of benefit entitlement to budgeting loans; improved access to funeral and bereavement payments and the provision of benefit checks for applicants. The response should also indicate the Committee’s concerns in respect of: a further requirement for face-to-face interviews for repeat applicants for Crisis Loans and the requirement for Social Fund applicants to undertake a full financial health check.
Noted : The Committee noted with interest the proposals to devolve to the Scottish Government control of the discretionary Social Fund grants criteria and choice of delivery organisation in that jurisdiction.
4.3 Northern Ireland Nurture Group Network
Noted : The Committee noted recent correspondence from the Department in relation to the funding of the NI Nurture Group Network.
4.4 Revised Programme of Expenditure Proposals 2010-11
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson to contribute to the planned debate on the Revised Programme of Expenditure Proposals for 2010-11 scheduled for 20 April 2010. It was agreed that the Chairperson would express: the Committee’s dissatisfaction with the budget process; the Committee’s concerns in respect of the funding for community development programmes and the absence of clarity in respect of NIHE capital programmes and changes to Social Security Agency front-line services and staffing levels.
5. Briefing by The Welcome Organisation
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 8 (Briefing by the Welcome Organisation) would be considered next.
The following representatives from The Welcome Organisation joined the meeting at 10.31am:
Ms Sandra Moore Director, The Welcome Organisation;
Ms Lynne McMordie Homelessness Services Manager, The Welcome Organisation; and
Mr Tommy Shaw Administration/Outreach Volunteer, The Welcome Organisation
The officials provided a briefing on homelessness issues in Northern Ireland. This was followed by a question and answer session.
Mr Fra McCann left the meeting at 11.02am.
Ms Anna Lo joined the meeting at 11.06am.
The Chairperson thanked the representatives for the briefing.
The representatives left the meeting at 11:19am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department to express the Committee’s concerns in relation to: the reported inappropriate discharge of mentally ill people from care and the appropriateness of floating supporting services for homeless people with complex needs and to seek an update on the repatriation policy and the review of the Supporting People Programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward a copy of the briefing paper provided by The Welcome Organisation to the Committees for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Justice for their consideration.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should review the options for a future Committee visit to The Welcome Organisation.
6. Proposed Subordinate Legislation
6.1 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule: The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levies) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 11.21am.
6.2 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule: The Pensions Regulator (Contribution Notices) (Sum Specified Following Transfer) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
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 Income Support (Lone Parents Students) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
6.4 The Committee considered the proposed Statutory Rule: The Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
7. Statutory Rules
The following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 11.23am:
Anne McCleary Social Security Policy and Legislation Division, DSD;
Gerry McCann Social Security Policy and Legislation Division, DSD; and
Seamus Cassidy Social Security Policy and Legislation Division, DSD.
The officials provided a briefing on the following Statutory Rules:
7.1 SR 2010 No.103: The Social Security (Equalisation of State Pension Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Agreed: The Committee agreed that following consideration of additional mitigating measures it was content that it had no further objection to the Rule.
7.2 SR 2010 No. 109: The Social Security (Credits) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín rejoined the meeting at 11.34am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that following consideration of additional information relating to the confidentiality of the sexual orientation of claimants it was content that it had no further objection to the Rule.
The Chairperson thanked the officials for the briefing.
The officials left the meeting at 11.35am.
Mr Alex Easton left the meeting at 11.35am.
The Committee considered the following Statutory Rules which were laid in the Business Office:
7.3 SR 2010 No.121: The Transfer Values (Disapplication) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 .
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No.121: The Transfer Values (Disapplication) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report has no objection to the Rule.”
7.4 SR 2010 No.138: The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 .
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory SR 2010 No.138: The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly.”
7.5 SR 2010 No.144: The Jobseekers Allowance (Lone Parents) (Availability for Work) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 .
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory SR 2010 No.144: The Jobseekers Allowance (Lone Parents) (Availability for Work) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly.”
7.6 SR 2010 No.55: The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Noted: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the Statutory Rule.
Mr Alex Easton rejoined the meeting at 11.43am.
8. Briefing by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 5 (Briefing by the Co-ownership Housing Association) would be considered next.
The following representatives from the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association joined the meeting at 11.44am:
Mr Alan Crowe Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association; and
Mr David McCallum Director of Operations, Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association.
The representatives provided a briefing on the work and future direction of the Co-Ownership Housing Association in Northern Ireland. This was followed by a question and answer session.
Mr Jonathan Craig left the meeting at 11.49am.
Mr Simon Hamilton (Chairperson) left the meeting at 12.04pm.
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín (Deputy Chairperson) assumed the Chair at 12.04pm.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association to seek a breakdown by geographical area of the location of houses bought under co-ownership arrangements.
The Chairperson thanked the representatives for the briefing.
The representatives left the meeting at 12.09pm.
9. Correspondence
9.1 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister concerning the PSNI investigation into issues relating to Nelson Street.
Mr Simon Hamilton (Chairperson) rejoined the meeting and assumed the Chair at 12.11pm.
Ms Anna Lo left the meeting at 12:11pm.
9.2 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister in relation to the Social Housing Development Programme for the period 2010/11 to 2012/13 pending a briefing from the Participation and Practice of Rights Project on this matter on 22 April 2010.
9.3 The Committeenoted correspondence from the Department in respect of the outcome of the February Monitoring Round pending a briefing from the Department on the June Monitoring Round on 3 June 2010.
9.4 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department concerning progress on the implementation of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) milestones pending a briefing on the proposed Urban Regeneration and Housing (Transfer of Functions) Bill in June 2010.
9.5 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the uptake of Discretionary Housing Payments amongst people receiving the Local Housing Allowance, Shared Room Rate.
9.6 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department in respect of measures the Department is taking to ensure that policy priorities identified by the Northern Ireland Environment Link are delivered.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department to seek an update following the forthcoming meeting between the DSD Permanent Secretary and NI Environment Link
9.7 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department concerning the number and location of Area Advice Centres.
9.8 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the enforcement of gambling law pending the forthcoming gambling review by the Department.
9.9 The Committee considered correspondence from the Social Security Agency in respect of the uptake of Pension Credit.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that it would forward this correspondence to the Committee for Finance and Personnel.
9.10 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department regarding its performance against the 10 day payment of invoices target for the financial year 2009/10.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that it would forward this correspondence to the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment for information.
9.11 The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the performance of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and its NDPBs against the 10 day payment of invoices target.
9.12 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department in respect of the Department’s briefing on the Revised Departmental Expenditure Plans.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the Clerk would write to the Department to seek an update on NIHE capital works; Social Security Agency staffing levels and related matters as part of a forthcoming briefing on the Department’s Corporate Plan on 10 June 2010.
9.13 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the number of fuel poverty interventions in 2008/09 and 2009/10 pending a forthcoming Departmental briefing on the revised Fuel Poverty Strategy.
9.14 The Committee noted correspondence from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association on mandatory landlord registration pending the Committee’s consideration of the second Housing Bill.
9.15 The Committee noted a press release from Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd concerning the introduction of a Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Northern Ireland.
9.16 The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in respect of EU research.
9.17 The Committee noted correspondence from the office of Mr John McCallister MLA concerning the anticipated introduction of the Caravan’s Bill to the Assembly.
9.18 The Committee noted correspondence from the Environment Committee in relation to the draft Urban Regeneration and Housing (Transfer of Functions) Bill.
9.19 The Committee noted correspondence from the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee indicating that the scope of the planned PAC inquiry into DLA appeals would now include people with autism.
9.20 The Committee considered correspondence from the Managing Director of Belfast International Airport concerning a public inquiry into the planning application to extend the runway at Belfast City Airport.
Noted: The Committee noted that it had at no time made any contribution to the debate on the Public Inquiry into the extension of the runway at Belfast City Airport.
9.21 The Committee noted correspondence from NICVA thanking the Chairperson for hosting the launch of the Vital Links project at Parliament Buildings on 22 March 2010.
9.22 The Committee considered correspondence from Strabane District Council expressing its concerns about the achievement of the fuel poverty target in Northern Ireland.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department requesting that the Committee be copied into the Minister’s response to Strabane District Council.
9.23 The Committee noted correspondence from the Building Change Trust regarding its strategy and programme for 2010-2013.
9.24 The Committee considered correspondence from the Chartered Institute of Housing in respect of the forthcoming Conference of the Isles event.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that Members would agree attendance and other arrangements for this event at the meeting of 22 April 2010.
9.25 The Committee considered an invitation from the Centre for Public Policy Seminars to a forthcoming seminar on the Supporting People Programme and protecting the vulnerable at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 20 May 2010.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the Clerk should make arrangements for Assembly Research and Library Services to attend this seminar on behalf of the Committee.
9.26 The Committee noted various items of miscellaneous correspondence from the Participation Network; the Sustainable Development Commission and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
10. Forward Work Programme
Agreed: The Committee agreed to reschedule certain briefings prior to 6 May 2010 and to allocate additional time after this date, if required, to the scrutiny of the Welfare Reform Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Forward Work Programme as amended.
11. A.O.B
11.1 Noted: The Committee noted that the Committee Office retained copies of the following reports: the Social Security Agency 2008 Decision-Making Report; the DSD Resource Account 2008-09 and the Ilex Regeneration Company Annual Report 2008-09.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 22 April 2010 at 10.00am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12:28pm.