COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2010
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Billy Armstrong MLA
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Mr Tommy Gallagher MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Mrs Clairita Frazer (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stewart Kennedy (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Allison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Fra McCann MLA
The meeting commenced at 10.06am in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
2.1 The Chairperson advised Members that he attended an informal meeting with the Minister on 29 July 2010 to discuss high level issues relating to Budget 2010.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2010
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 1 July 2010 were agreed.
4. Matters arising
4.1 Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill
The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister for Social Development to the Chairperson and to the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission relating to provisions of the Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Ms Lo would share the Minister’s response with the All-Party Group on Ethnic Minorities.
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the following motion be submitted to the Business Office:
“That, in accordance with Standing Order 33 (4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33 (2) be extended to 28 January 2011, in relation to the Committee Stage of the Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (NIA Bill 32/09)” .
4.2 Caravans Bill
The Committee noted items of correspondence from: the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment; the Department for Social Development; the Committee for the Environment and John McCallister MLA relating to the Committee Stage of the Caravans Bill.
4.3 21st Century Welfare Consultation
The Committee noted a copy of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Consultation Paper entitled: “21st Century Welfare”.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to key organisations seeking written feedback so as to inform the Committee’s deliberations on this subject.
Mr Armstrong joined the meeting at 10.20am .
4.4 Evaluation of the Supporting People Programme
The Committee noted the Department for Social Development’s report on the Evaluation of the Supporting People Programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department to seek details of and the timeline for: the NICVA report into the effectiveness of collaborative working among Supporting People providers; the pilot programme to measure Supporting People user outcomes and the renewal of the Supporting People Programme.
Agreed: The Committee further agreed that the Clerk should forward the report on the Evaluation of the Supporting People Programme to key Supporting People providers and seek their views on its findings so as to inform the Committee’s deliberation on this subject.
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 7 (End of Session Report 2009-10) would be considered next.
5. Social Development Committee End of Session Report 2009-10
The Clerk advised the Committee of a number of amendments to the Social Development Committee End of Session Report 2009-10.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Social Development Committee End of Session Report 2009-10 as amended.
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 9 (Correspondence) would be considered next
6. Correspondence
6.1 The Committee considered a letter from the Minister for Social Development on proposed amendments to the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking an update on this matter.
6.2 The Committee noted Ministerial correspondence to the Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning regarding Quinn Insurance employees.
6.3 The Committee noted Ministerial correspondence to the Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety relating to the provision of financial advice to cancer sufferers.
6.4 The Committee noted correspondence relating to the publication of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council’s Annual Report 2009-2010.
6.5 The Committee noted a letter from the Department to the Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure regarding the promotion of Townland Names.
6.6 The Committee noted a response from the Department in relation to the Royal Exchange Project and the retail-led sequential regeneration of Belfast.
6.7 The Committee noted a response from the Department providing further detail on the funding of NIHE Multi-Element Improvement Schemes.
6.8 The Committee noted a response from the Department regarding the proposed independent review of automatic enrolment into qualifying workplace pension schemes.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking an update when the review has been completed.
6.9 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department relating to the Strategic Guidelines for the Social Housing Development Programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek a briefing from the Department at the conclusion of the consultation on the draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the revised Strategic Guidelines.
Agreed: The Committee further agreed that the Clerk should forward relevant correspondence to the Participation and Practice of Rights Project and seek a written briefing from this organisation prior to the conclusion of the draft EQIA consultation.
6.10 The Committee considered a response from the Department in relation to the Fuel Poverty Strategy consultation.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek a briefing from the Department at the conclusion of the consultation on the Fuel Poverty Strategy in November 2010.
6.11 The Committee considered correspondence from the NILGA Planning Working Group relating to planning issues and the impact on shaping local communities, the economy and sustainability.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite NILGA to an informal stakeholder meeting provisionally scheduled for 9 December 2010.
6.12 The Committee considered correspondence from Volunteer Now enclosing a briefing on the organisation.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite Volunteer Now to an informal stakeholder meeting provisionally scheduled for 9 December 2010.
6.13 The Committee considered correspondence from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors regarding the development of Housing Association Procurement Consortia.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to an informal stakeholder meeting provisionally scheduled for 9 December 2010.
6.14 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department of Justice in respect of the public consultation on the EQIA on proposals for a Justice Bill.
Agreed: The Committee noted this correspondence pending a further briefing from the Department for Social Development on 30 September 2010 on measures to be included in the Bill to control irresponsible alcohol promotions.
6.15 The Committee considered correspondence from the Community Development Networks Forum seeking clarification on the introduction of the proposed Urban Regeneration and Housing (Transfer of Functions) Bill and the timing of a Committee meeting in Newry.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the correspondence to the Department for comment in respect of the Urban Regeneration and Housing (Transfer of Functions) Bill.
Agreed: The Committee further agreed to schedule a Committee meeting in Newry in early 2011.
6.16 The Committee considered correspondence from NICVA highlighting issues relating to Budget 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to invite NICVA to host a stakeholder consultation event on behalf of the Committee on Budget 2010 on 4 November 2010.
6.17 The Committee considered correspondence from the Citizens Advice Bureau relating to its report on processing issues associated with Employment and Support Allowance.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the report to the Department for Social Development for a response.
6.18 The Committee noted an invitation from the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations to the opening of its new offices in Belfast on 24 August 2010.
6.19 The Committee considered an invitation to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Chairperson’s Reception on Friday 10 September 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson to attend this event, diary permitting.
6.20 The Committee considered an invitation to the Federation of Small Businesses Silver Jubilee Dinner on Thursday 7 October 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson to attend this event, diaries permitting.
6.21 The Committee considered an invitation to the launch of the Citizens Advice Bureau Dealing with Debt Service Annual Report for 2009/10.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson to attend this event, diary permitting.
6.22 The Committee noted an invitation to the Chartered Institute of Housing conference on Housing Excellence in the Hilton Hotel on 7 October 2010.
6.23 The Committee noted an invitation to a Chartered Institute of Housing seminar on Shared Housing on 14 September 2010.
6.24 The Committee noted an invitation to an event arranged by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Assembly Research and Library Services in Parliament Buildings on Thursday 21 October 2010 entitled: “Time for New Ideas? Investing in Affordable Housing.”
6.25 The Committee noted an invitation to a Capita one day conference on Tackling the Social Exclusion of Older People on 29 November 2010.
6.26 The Committee noted an invitation from the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust and Institute of Directors to a breakfast briefing on Managing the Impact of Potential Budget Cuts on Public Spending on 14 September 2010.
6.27 The Committee noted several items of miscellaneous correspondence from Imtac, the Neighbourhood Renewal and Sustainable Communities Training Team, the International Journal of Neighbourhood Renewal, Integrated Education Fund, the Law Centre, the Simon Community, the Equality Commission and the Utility Regulator.
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 5 (Budget 2010) would be considered next
7. Budget 2010 – Ministerial Briefing
The Minister for Social Development, Mr Alex Attwood MLA and the following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 10.48am:
Will Haire, Permanent Secretary, DSD; and
Barney McGahan, Deputy Secretary, Resources, Housing & Social Security Group, DSD.
The Minister and officials briefed the Committee on Budget 2010. This was followed by a question and answer session.
The Chairperson thanked the Minister and officials for their briefing.
The Minister for Social Development left the meeting at 11.42am.
The Departmental officials remained at table to brief the Members on the September Monitoring Round, the next item of business.
Mr Gallagher left the meeting at 11:49am.
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 6 (September Monitoring Round) would be considered next.
8. September Monitoring Round – Ministerial Briefing
The Departmental officials briefed the Committee on the Department’s submission to the September Monitoring Round. This was followed by a question and answer session.
The Chairperson thanked the officials for their briefing.
The officials left the meeting at 11.59am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department to seek written details of the Department’s submission to the September Monitoring Round.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department requesting further information on: the terms of reference for the review of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; alternative funding streams for NIHE Multi-Element Improvement Schemes; funding for the Small Pockets of Deprivation (SPoD) Scheme; funding and plans for the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and the funding priorities for the Department for Budget 2010.
Mr Gallagher rejoined the meeting at 12.05pm.
The Committee agreed that Agenda Item 8 (Subordinate Legislation) would be considered next.
9. Subordinate Legislation
9.1 Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments No.4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in respect of translation facilities provided for telephone assessment of clients whose first language is not English.
9.2 Proposed Statutory Rule: The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments No.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Rule to be made.
9.3 SR 2010 No.249: The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levies) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 249 : The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levies) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly.”
9.4 SR 2010 No.250: The Pensions Regulator (Contribution Notices) (Sum Specified Following Transfer) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 250 : The Pensions Regulator (Contribution Notices) (Sum Specified Following Transfer)Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly.”
9.5 SR 2010 No.251: Housing (Amendment) (2010 Act) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2010
The Committee noted the Commencement Order.
9.6 Proposed Statutory Rule: The Income Support (Lone Parent Students) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
The Committee noted information in relation to the above withdrawn proposed statutory rule.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department requesting further information on the reason for the withdrawal of the proposed rule by the Department for Work and Pensions.
9.7 Proposed Statutory Rule: The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments No.X) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Rule to be made.
Agreed: The Committee further agreed that the Clerk should to write to the Department to seek clarity on the implications of the proposed Rule in respect of the permitted work higher earnings limit for claimants under 21.
9.8 SR 2010 No.285: Registered Rents (Increase) Order (Northern Ireland) 2010
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 285 : Registered Rents (Increase) Order (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report has no objection to the Rule.”
9.9 SR 2010 No.287: The Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 287 : The Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subject to the Examiner’s report has no objection to the Rule.”
9.10 Statutory Rule 2010 No.144: The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Lone Parents) (Availability for Work) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
Noted: The Committee noted that the Department is unable to provide detailed statistics on the impact of Statutory Rule 210/144 on lone parents in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should forward to Members high level information recently obtained from the Department in respect of lone parents who wish to restrict their availability for work.
10. Forward Work Programme
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Forward Work Programme.
11. Any Other Business
11.1 The Clerk asked Members to confirm their attendance statistics with the Committee Office before the next Committee meeting.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 16 September 2010 at 10.00am, in Room 29.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.20pm.
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Social Development.
16 September 2010
01 July 10 / Menu
