COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 21 MARCH 2011
ROOM 30, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Sydney Anderson MLA
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Jonathan Craig MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr Fra McCann MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Clairita Frazer (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Ms Claire McCanny (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stewart Kennedy (Clerical Supervisor)
Apologies:
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
The meeting began at 12.03pm in open session.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson expressed the Committee’s condolences to the Deputy Chairperson on the death of her grandfather.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that as this was the last Social Development Committee meeting of the current mandate, it was content for the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to review and sign-off the minutes of today’s meeting.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2011
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 10 March 2011 were agreed.
4. Matters arising
4.1 Customer First Pilot: Evaluation Report
The Committee noted the report on the Customer First Pilot.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add consideration of the report to the Committee’s Legacy Report.
4.2 Warmer Healthier Homes – A New Fuel Poverty Strategy For Northern Ireland
The Committee noted a copy of the Department’s New Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland and related correspondence from National Energy Action.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add consideration of the strategy to the Committee’s Legacy Report.
4.3 Supporting People
The Committee noted correspondence from Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations and the Department regarding the new Supporting People Strategy and Special Needs Management Allowance. The Committee also noted NICVA’s reports on collaborative working by Supporting People providers.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add these matters to the Committee’s Legacy Report.
4.4 Carer’s Allowance Bill
The Committee noted a letter from the Department containing further information relating to the Carer’s Allowance Bill on: the cost of a 2-tier Carer’s Allowance; statutory respite and measures to assist carers in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that this correspondence should be added to the Carer’s Allowance Bill Report.
Mrs Bradley joined the meeting at 12.09pm.
4.5 Consultation on Concordat
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department on responses to the consultation on the new Concordat between the Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that consideration of the Concordat should be added to the Committee’s Legacy Report.
5. Report on the Committee Stage of the Carer’s Allowance Bill
The Committee considered its report on the Committee Stage of the Carer’s Allowance Bill.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Executive Summary of the report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Introduction of the report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the section of the report entitled: Consideration of the Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the report to be printed as the 4th report of the Social Development Committee for this session of the Assembly.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the relevant extract from the minutes of the proceedings of 21 March 2010 be included in the Committee's Report.
6. Social Development Committee: Legacy Report 2007-2011
The Committee considered its Legacy Report 2007-2011.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Achievements section of the Report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Approach section of the Report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Next Mandate section of the Report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Appendices of the Report.
The Clerk advised the Committee that this section will be updated with the final statistics on meetings, visits and subordinate legislation.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Legacy Report 2007-11, as amended.
7. Social Development Committee: End of Session Report 2010-2011
The Committee considered its End of Session Report 2010-2011..
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the body of the Report.
Agreed: The Committee read and agreed the Appendices of the Report.
The Clerk advised the Committee that this section would be updated with final expenditure figures at the end of the mandate.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the End of Session Report 2010-11 as amended.
8. Subordinate Legislation
8.1 SR 66/2011 The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
At 12.16pm, Mr Craig declared an interest as a member of an occupational pension scheme.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 66 the Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.2 SR 76/2011 The Employment and Support Allowance (Limited Capability for Work and Limited Capability for Work-related Activity) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Some Members expressed significant concerns in respect of the use of Work Capability Assessments and in particular the ability of private sector organisations to undertake such assessments.
Ms Lo joined the meeting at 12.18pm.
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 76/2011: the Employment and Support Allowance (Limited Capability for Work and Limited Capability for Work-related Activity) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011”:
Ayes 6; Noes 2; Abstentions: 0
AYES
Mr Sydney Anderson
Mrs Mary Bradley
Mr Jonathan Craig
Mr Alex Easton
Mr Simon Hamilton
Ms Anna Lo
NOES
Mr Mickey Brady
Mr Fra McCann
The motion was carried.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 76 the Employment and Support Allowance (Limited Capability for Work and Limited Capability for Work-related Activity) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.3 SR 89/2011 The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 89 the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.4 SR 90/2011 The Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 90 the Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.5 SR 107/2011 The National Insurance Contributions Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 107 the National Insurance Contributions Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.6 SR 109/2011 The Social Security (Deferral of Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 109 the Social Security (Deferral of Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.7 SL1: The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Some Members expressed concerns that certain aspects of the proposed rule – particularly the removal of the Child Benefit Disregard and the changes to State Pension Credit paydays – may be detrimental to claimants.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Rule.
8.8 SR 113/2011 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Sharing and Attachment on Divorce etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 113 the Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Sharing and Attachment of Divorce etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.9 SR 114/2011 The Pension Protection Fund (Pensions on Divorce etc.: Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 114 the Pension Protection Fund (Pensions on Divorce etc.: Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.10 SR 112/2011 The Guaranteed Minimum Pension Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 112 the Guaranteed Minimum Pension Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.11 SL1: The Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Members expressed concerns in respect of the replacement of Sure Start Maternity Grants with Budgeting Loans.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the rule.
8.12 SR 119/2011 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 119 the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, recommends that the rule be confirmed by the Assembly.”
8.13 SR 120/2011 The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 120 the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.14 SR 121/2011 The Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Dependency) (Permitted Earnings Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 121 the Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Dependency) (Permitted Earnings Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.15 SR 122/2011 The Occupational Pensions Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 122 the Occupational Pensions Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
8.16 SR 123/2011 The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2011 No. 123 the Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
9. Assembly Research Reports
Ms Lo left the meeting at 12.41pm.
9.1 European Issues
The Committee noted a copy of the Assembly Research and Library Services report on European Issues.
9.2 Affordable Housing Seminar
The Committee noted a copy of the Assembly Research and Library Services report on the seminar on affordable and social housing on 21 October 2010.
9.3 Shared Housing Seminar
The Committee noted a copy of the Assembly Research and Library Services report on the Community Relations Council seminar of Shared Housing on 9 March 2011.
9.4 National Energy Authority’s Report on Fuel Poverty Event
The Committee noted a copy of the report on the National Energy Action seminar on fuel poverty issues on 3 March 2011.
10. Correspondence
10.1 The Committee noted Ministerial correspondence on the completion of the procurement exercise to appoint a third party provider (Atos Healthcare) for the delivery of medical services for the Social Security Agency.
10.2 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister providing an update on a number of issues in relation to the response by Housing Associations during the adverse weather.
10.3 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department indicating that there are no policy implications for implementation of EU child maintenance regulations in Northern Ireland.
10.4 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department providing information on how it is to implement the cross-departmental actions which are set out in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Action Plan.
10.5 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department advising that it is considering the use of a Community Evaluation Network tool to measure social assets. The Department also explains the apparent absence of reference to Kilcooley in the mid-term Review Report on the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy
10.6 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department providing information on procedures to determine eligibility for the higher rate of Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance for visually impaired claimants.
10.7 The Committee noted correspondence from Volunteer Now highlighting concerns in respect of reported barriers for benefit claimants undertaking voluntary work.
10.8 The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice on those tribunals – including the Charities Tribunal - for which the Department of Justice (DoJ) is to assume responsibility on 1 April 2011. The Appeals Tribunal and the Rent Assessment Panel are to be managed by DoJ under a Service Level Agreement with DSD. The formal transfer of these tribunals from DSD to DoJ is not to be undertaken.
10.9 The Committee noted correspondence from the Employment and Learning Committee indicating that it had no objection to the Legislative Consent Motion associated with the Pensions Bill.
10.10 The Committee noted an invitation from the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network to the launch of a short film on the poor housing conditions in the Woodvale area.
10.11 The Committee noted correspondence from the Greater Falls Neighbourhood Partnership regarding the Committee’s recommendations in respect of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
11. Any Other Business
The Chairperson thanked the Committee Members for their attendance and diligence throughout the current mandate.
The Chairperson and Committee Members expressed their thanks to the Clerk and Committee Staff for their efforts during the current mandate.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting
Agreed: The Committee agreed that there would be no further meetings of the Social Development Committee in this mandate.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.53pm.
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Social Development.
23 March 2011
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
Deputy Chairperson, Committee for Social Development.
23 March 2011
10 March 11 / Menu
