COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 10 MARCH 2011
BALLYBOT HOUSE, NEWRY
Present:
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Sydney Anderson MLA
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Tommy Gallagher MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr Fra McCann MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Clairita Frazer (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stewart Kennedy (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Allison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Ms Eleanor Murphy (Assembly Research) – item 6 only
Ms Lesley Anne Black (Assembly Research) – item 6 only
Apologies:
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
The meeting began at 10.09am in open session.
Mr Brady declared an interest at 10:09am as a member of the management committee of the Confederation of Community Groups.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
Agreed : The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department to seek further details on the DSD final budget 2011-15 as follows:
- confirmation of the funding for schemes including Warm Homes; Neighbourhood Renewal; Community Investment Fund; Supporting People etc.;
- details of the Department’s plans in respect of the Royal Exchange and the target for leveraging private sector investment in Urban Regeneration schemes;
- details of the 10 Peace III projects that are to be undertaken;
- clarification on the contribution to the Social Housing Development Programme by Housing Associations;
- information on expenditure and staffing levels in the Housing Executive in the budget period; and
- a summary of the responses to the consultation on the draft budget.
3. Committee visit
The Committee noted arrangements for the informal meeting with the Community Development Networks Forum and the visit to the Carnagat Community Association.
4. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2011
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 24 February 2011 were agreed.
5. Matters arising
5.1 Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) Report on the Uptake of Benefits by Pensioners
The Committee noted the NIAO report dealing with benefit uptake by pensioners.
5.2 DSD Equality Scheme
The Committee noted the Department’s Equality Scheme document.
5.3 Joint DSD and DHSSPS Consultation on the Introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol
The Committee noted a Departmental briefing note on the joint DSD/DHSSPS consultation on a minimum unit price for alcohol.
5.4 Welcome Organisation: Service User Census
The Committee noted information from the Welcome Organisation which characterises the users of its services.
6. Carer’s Allowance Bill – Briefing by Assembly Research & Library Service
The Committee noted a copy of an Assembly Research & Library Service paper at 10:18am, on issues relating to the Carer’s Allowance Bill.
Ms Lo joined the meeting at 10.22am.
This was followed by a question and answer session.
The Chairperson thanked Assembly Research for their briefing at 10.28am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the research paper would form part of the Committee’s report on the Carer’s Allowance Bill.
7. Carer’s Allowance Bill – Evidence session with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The following DWP official joined the meeting at 10.28am:
Neil Couling, Director of Benefit Strategy, Welfare and Wellbeing Group, DWP.
The Committee noted receipt of submissions on the Carer’s Allowance Bill from: A2b (Access to Benefits); Action Cancer; Autism NI; Advice NI; Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre; Citizens Advice Bureau; Disability Action; Law Centre; Mencap NI; NIPSA; Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; the Older People’s Advocate; Save the Children and Termonmaguire Friendly Care Group.
The official briefed the Committee on issues related to the Carer’s Allowance Bill and related parity considerations. This was followed by a question and answer session.
The Chairperson thanked the official for his briefing.
The official left the meeting at 11.05am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that, given the limited timescales and the complexity of the issues related to the Carer’s Allowance Bill, it would curtail any further review of the Bill and would produce a report summarising the evidence obtained at this time.
Agreed: The Committee also agreed that, although it supported the principle of improving help for carers, the Bill as drafted was not an appropriate means to achieve this. Members agreed that a wider study is required of the best way to help carers in Northern Ireland who are experiencing financial hardship or have limited respite, employment, educational or other opportunities. The Committee agreed that a further study of support and recognition for carers in Northern Ireland should be informed by the experience in other jurisdictions and by the findings of the Dilnot review in England.
Agreed: The Committee further agreed that the Clerk should draft a report on the Carer’s Allowance Bill in the above terms and for the Committee to consider this report at the next Committee meeting.
8. Subordinate Legislation
8.1SR 51/2011 The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
The Committee noted a further response from the Department on the duration of Discretionary Housing Payments.
Following discussion and in the absence of consensus, the Committee divided as follows on the motion “that, subject to the Examiner’s Report, the Committee has no objection to statutory rule 51/2011: the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011”:
Ayes 5; Noes 3; Abstentions: 0
AYES
Mr Sydney Anderson
Mrs Mary Bradley
Mr Tommy Gallagher
Mr Simon Hamilton
Ms Anna Lo
NOES
Mr Mickey Brady
Mr Fra McCann
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín
The motion was carried.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 51 the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
Ms Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 11.16am.
8.2 SR 52/2011 The Social Security Pensions (Low Earnings Threshold) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 52 the Social Security Pensions (Low Earnings Threshold) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.3 SR 54/2011 The Introductory Tenancies (Disposal of Houses) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
The Committee noted a response from the Department on secure and introductory tenancies.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 54 the Introductory Tenancies (Disposal of Houses) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.4 SR 67/2011 The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 67 the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly.”
8.5 SR 68/2011 The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 68 the Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly.”
8.6 The Registered Rents (Increase) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.7 The Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.8.1 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation and Sharing Attachment on Divorce etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.8.2 The Pension Protection Fund (Pensions on Divorce: Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.9 The Social Security (Deferral of Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.10 The Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
8.11 Westminster Subordinate Legislation: Financial Assistance Scheme (Revaluation and Indexation Amendments) Regulations 2011
The Committee noted this statutory instrument.
8.12 Westminster Subordinate Legislation: The Pensions Protection Fund (Prescribed Payments and Investment Costs – Amendment) Regulations 2011
The Committee noted this statutory instrument.
Ms Ní Chuilín rejoined the meeting at 11.26am.
8.13 The National Insurance Contributions Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Statutory Rule to be made.
9. Legislative Consent Motion- Pensions Bill
The Committee noted a paper from the Department and correspondence from the OFMDFM Committee on the Legislative Consent Motion related to the Westminster Pensions Bill.
The Chairperson welcomed the following officials to the Committee at 11:29am:
- Anne McCleary, Director 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 briefed the Committee on the Legislative Consent Motion associated with the Westminster Pensions Bill.
The Chairperson thanked the officials.
The officials left the meeting at 11.45am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content to support a Legislative Consent Motion associated with the Pensions Bill insofar as the provisions refer to judicial pensions and the transference of rights and properties and ill-health payments made under the Financial Assistance Scheme. The Committee also agreed that the Clerk should produce a short report on the Committee’s deliberations in this regard.
Proceedings were temporarily adjourned at 11.46am.
Proceedings recommenced at 11.57am.
10. Correspondence
10.1 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister on his Statement to the Assembly on Tuesday 1 March 2011 relating to the British-Irish Council meeting held on 16 February 2011.
10.2 The Committee noted correspondence from DSD Private Office forwarding a copy of the minutes from the British-Irish Council meeting of 16 February 2011 and a copy of the Minister’s statement made to the Assembly on Tuesday 1 March 2011.
10.3 The Committee noted correspondence from Housing Division forwarding correspondence from the Minister in relation to the introduction of social clauses in social housing and major urban regeneration contracts.
10.4 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister to the Committee providing an update on the Housing Executive’s review of its policy on increasing the safety of residents in Housing Executive homes through the provision of carbon monoxide monitors.
10.5 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in response to the Committee’s letter of 8 February 2011 on OFMDFM’s report on the draft Sustainable Development Implementation Plan.
10.6 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department regarding the Housing Executive’s consultation on the Strategic Guidelines for the Social Housing Development Programme. The response included an estimate of the impact of the revised Strategic Guidelines for new social housing provision in formerly ring-fenced areas.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Participation and Practice of Rights Project for information.
10.7 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the Minister’s 25 January 2011 Assembly Statement and accompanying press release about Incapacity Benefit reassessment.
10.8 The Committee considered correspondence from the Department on policy relating to negative equity issues in urban regeneration areas. The Department advised that consultation with the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Attorney General continue.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the member of the public whose letter initiated the original query.
10.9 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the Ministerial Briefing on the Housing Executive’s response during the adverse weather conditions.
10.10 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department’s Voluntary and Community Unit acknowledging the Committee’s response to the consultation on the Draft Guidance Document to assist Councils in the Provision of Voluntary Advice Services.
10.11 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the Gateway Review of NIHE Egan Contracts and NIHE Governance Review. The Department indicated that the Governance Implementation Plan is currently with the Housing Executive Board and will be provided as soon as possible. The Department also set out the reasons for delays associated with the NIHE Audit Office Report on land disposal.
10.12 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department providing further information on the Social Housing Development Programme; Housing Association contributions; use of surplus Government land and the percentage level of Housing Association Grant in parts of GB as compared with Northern Ireland.
Mrs Bradley and Mr Anderson left the meeting at 12.01pm.
10.13 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding Departmental events coinciding with the Committee’s weekly meeting.
10.14 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department providing information on the training to be provided to NIHE staff providing advice and assistance to homeless people.
10.15 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in response to the Committee’s letter on the Westminster Public Bodies Bill. The Committee had sought clarity as to the form of the consultation with the Assembly in the event that the Bill changed the role of a Northern Ireland Department. The response appears to indicate that the form of the resolution would be draft affirmative.
10.16 The Committee noted correspondence from Belfast Healthy Cities regarding a questionnaire on prioritising links between regional development and health as part of the 2011 World Health Organisation Health Study.
10.17 The Committee considered correspondence from the Committee for Finance and Personnel regarding the latest monitoring report on Post Project Evaluation.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department for comment on the delay in completing the Post Project Evaluations.
10.18 The Committee considered correspondence from the Committee for Finance and Personnel requesting a copy of the Department’s report on the budget consultation. The Committee noted its previous undertakings in this regard.
10.19 The Committee considered correspondence from Volunteer Now inviting Members to attend their conference “Surfing the Silver Wave, Ensuring Civic Engagement and Well Being in an Ageing Society”. Volunteer Now had also requested an informal meeting with conference speakers and Members of the Committee on 23/3/11.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that, owing to the busy committee and plenary work programmes, the Clerk should write to Volunteer Now and decline both invitations.
10.20 The Committee noted correspondence fromFinancial Capability Partnership NI inviting Members to a breakfast briefing in the Long Gallery at 8:30 on Tuesday 22/3/11.
10.21 The Committee considered correspondence from the University of Ulster inviting the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee to co-sponsor a half-day seminar at Stormont on the future of the housing sector.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to sponsor the event as requested.
10.22 The Committee noted items of miscellaneous correspondence from Community Evaluation NI and Citizens Advice.
10.23 The Committee noted Ministerial correspondence relating to the evaluation of the Customer First Pilot Programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider the Customer First evaluation report at its next meeting.
Mr Gallagher left the meeting at 12.04pm.
11. NIHE Review –Briefing by Department for Social Development
The following officials joined the meeting at 12.05pm to brief Members on the Review of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive:
- Michael Sands, Assistant Director, Housing Division, DSD.;
- Patricia McIntyre, DSD; and
- Stephen Smyth, Lead Consultant, PwC.
The Committee noted a paper from the Department on the Review of NIHE.
The briefing was followed by a question and answer session.
The officials left the meeting at 12.30pm.
12. Forward Work Programme
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule the next Committee meeting after 12 noon on Monday 21 March 2011.
Agreed: It was further agreed that if necessary an additional meeting would be convened on Wednesday 23 March 2011 to consider outstanding statutory rules.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Forward Work Programme as amended.
13. Any Other Business
None.
14. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Monday, 21 March 2011 in Room 30, Parliament Buildings after 12 noon.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.34pm.
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Social Development.
21 March 2011
24 February 11 / Menu
