PRESS RELEASE

2 October 2008

SD No 03 /08

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REACHES OUT

The Assembly Committee for Social Development hosted a reception to meet and discuss topics with a number of groups that have an interest in aspects of social development.

The informal reception, which was held in Parliament Buildings, had a social atmosphere with each group given fifteen minutes (due to the numbers involved) to raise and discuss issues with Committee Members.

Mr David Simpson, Chairperson of the Committee, explained the reason for the reception:

“The Social Development Committee has a wide-ranging remit including housing, social security and pensions etc. Despite the Committee’s ever-increasing work-load, the Committee is keen to reach out to stakeholder groups and hear their views. Although we welcome the opportunity to engage with such groups, the list of those waiting to meet with us on an individual basis was growing. In order to see as many as possible, and hear a wide range of issues, the Committee decided to host this reception which we believe will be of great benefit to both the groups and the Committee.”

Each of the groups provided a one page summary of their issues and concerns and will be followed-up by the Committee after the reception if appropriate.

The important issues raised by groups included:

Citizens’ Advice Bureau the impact of new Employment and Support Allowance benefits on claimants with mental health issues.

Climate Change Coalition food poverty and the importance of energy efficient central heating systems in social housing.

Healthy Living Centres the key role for health education in community development

NIPSA the need for additional social housing and the impact on jobs of changes to the organisation of the Social Security Agency

North West Centre for Learning the importance of funding learning and

& Development development in the North West

Triangle Housing Association the value of funding the provision of housing for the disabled through housing associations

West Belfast Partnership the delivery of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and issues relating to fuel poverty.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Committee Membership: Mr David Simpson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Mr David Hilditch (DUP) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Billy Armstrong (UUP); Mr Mickey Brady (SF); Mr Thomas Burns (SDLP); Mr Jonathan Craig (DUP); Ms Anna Lo (ALL); Mr Alban Maginness (SDLP); Mr Fra McCann (SF); Ms Caral Ni Chuilin (SF); Miss Michelle McIlveen (DUP).

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