Friday 11 May 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment of the need for additional social housing in West Tyrone.

(AQW 2654/00)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): District Housing Plans, to be published in June, will provide comprehensive information on the need for social housing in West Tyrone.

This will identify Strabane town as the main area of need. A scheme of 41 units is due to complete within the next 2 months. An additional scheme of 26 units is due to start in August 2001, and a scheme of 12 units (flats) is programmed for later in the year.

In other towns schemes are planned as follows:

Sion Mills:
A scheme for 18 dwellings started April 2001.

Castlederg:
A scheme for 10 units is programmed for 2003/04.

Ardstraw:
The Rural Housing Association has a scheme of 6 units programmed for later this year.

Clady:
A small scheme is programmed for 2002/03 for 8 units.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail his plans to develop further the empty homes strategy; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2655/00)

Mr Morrow: The Housing Executive has been commissioned to develop an empty homes strategy and proposes the following:

i. targeting renovation grants to areas where there are clear difficulties with long-term vacant residential stock;

ii. providing advice and support, outlining the legal powers available to it and proposing options for bringing property back into use;

iii. examining the feasibility of setting up a dedicated ‘empty property hotline’ to provide advice to owners of empty properties of the letting/sale opportunities available to them;

iv. supporting and participating in inter-agency partnerships in order to address the wider social and economic issues that may influence the matter;

v. continuing to work closely with the Rates Collection Agency and maintaining up to date databases on empty homes across Northern Ireland;

vi. in its own estates, continuing with a range of initiatives most of which involve Estate Based Strategies and Neighbourhood Renewal. In areas where demand is low considering selective or radical demolition to halt the spiral of decline and provide a better balance between the supply and demand for social housing.

In addition, the proposed Housing Bill will provide for the introduction of a shorthold tenancy, to be managed by the housing associations. This is designed to allow vacant properties to be let for short periods where owners are reluctant to let for longer terms.

The existence of empty property can be symptomatic of an underlying and complex interaction of wider social problems, including urban and rural decay, unemployment, crime and vandalism, anti-social behaviour etc. Solutions, therefore, are not just about good housing management, but require more complex strategies and inter-agency initiatives.

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps (a) already taken and (b) to be taken this year to make arrangements for ensuring, and assessing, public access to information and to services provided by the authority as required by Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2660/00)

Mr Morrow: The commitments in the Department’s Equality Scheme are monitored on an ongoing basis to enable the Department to report in its annual review of progress to the Equality Commission the extent to which it has complied with its obligations.

To ensure public access to information and services the Department has developed strong relationships with the Voluntary and Community Sector extending across all of its key business areas. Indeed, the importance that the Department attaches to working in partnership with the public permeates its policy-making and operational responsibilities. This is clearly demonstrated through its wide ranging consultations in developing its Equality Scheme, New Targeting Social Need (New TSN) Action Plan, the Housing Executive’s Community Involvement Framework and work on its proposed new Urban Regeneration Strategy.

The Social Security Agency (SSA) provides its services (including information, advice and assistance) to the public through a network of local Social Security Offices situated in all the major towns and cities in Northern Ireland. Specific telephone services are available through a Benefit Enquiry Line for people with disabilities and carers. In addition, the Agency provides information through a comprehensive range of leaflets (including a customer charter pack), by direct advertising of its services through the media, and where appropriate by the specific targeting of potential benefit recipients with information.

The SSA and the CSA interact with a wide range of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations through formal and informal arrangements. Within the SSA this occurs at Chief Executive, Management Board, regional, district and local levels. Within the CSA, it happens for example through customer consultation panels and feedback from voluntary groups. Such interactions provide opportunities to inform and consult with external organisations on strategic policy issues, to develop better understanding of the organisations’ views and needs, to work together to address the needs of mutual customers, including front line day-to-day progression of cases.

The Department as well as its two Agencies (the SSA and the CSA) has developed websites where a range of information is available for customers. For example, my Department’s website contains information about the Department and on publications and press releases, the SSA website has information on the range of social security benefits available and details of the customer complaints procedure. The CSA website gives examples of the most frequently asked questions and also provides a range of information about customer service.

In addition, to evaluate the robustness of its procedures, during the last year, the SSA completed a full review of Customer Services. It also consulted on the specific needs of a number of vulnerable groups such as disabled people, elderly people, people with literacy problems, people in isolated areas, people affected by the troubles, and minority ethnic people, and targeted assistance to pensioners under the Minimum Income Guarantee.

In terms of the steps to be taken this year my Department is fully committed to ensuring that the Equality Duty permeates all aspects of its work and this includes public access to information and services. The Department is currently at various stages on a number of equality impact assessments. Most relevant in this context are firstly the assessment of the ‘Child Support NI Field Operations Organisational Structure and Access to Services’ which has just completed its consultation stage.

Secondly, the SSA has just commenced a period of consultation on the equality impact assessment of the "provision of relevant, accurate and timely information and advice". The results of this will help the Agency ensure that information is reaching, and available to all existing and potential customers. Finally the equality impact assessment on NICS Departments’ strategies (including the Department for Social Development strategy) relating to the Compact with the Voluntary and Community Sector, will be issued in June and once screening of the measures in the proposed Housing Bill is complete it too may lead to a further equality impact assessment.

All of these equality impact assessments and associated consultations will provide an opportunity for representatives of the Section 75 groups and the community at large to become involved in policy making and provide feedback on access to and the delivery of my Department’s services.

In relation to New Targeting Social need (New TSN) the SSA is developing a rolling programme of action plans to improve the delivery of social security services for a range of groups and in doing so is looking at ways of using existing community and rural groups and facilities as a means of communicating more effectively.

The SSA will also be carrying out a series of focus groups to identify the broad needs of welfare customers in the future and during 2001 the CSA will develop a proactive programme with the Voluntary Sector to communicate information on the Child Support Reforms.

My Department is also involved in two other major pieces of work co-ordinated by OFMDFM. As part of the Promoting Social Inclusion (PSI) initiative OFMDFM are tasked with examining how the provision of better services from Government Departments might be used to tackle social exclusion. As a first step they have issued a questionnaire to this and other NICS Departments to collate what is currently happening on the communication front. OFMDFM are also taking forward work on behalf of all Departments in relation to access to information through the provision in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audiocassette, signed video cassette and minority ethnic language formats.

In line with policy on openness and making information more accessible my Department will shortly publish its Corporate Plan for 2001-2004 and Public Service Agreement which takes account of the Programme for Government and which sets out my Department’s programme over the next year and beyond. This will be circulated widely, including all of the groups on the Department’s Section 75 consultee list and all MLAs. The CSA and the SSA have already published their annual business plans.

Although my Department’s Equality Scheme has only recently been approved by the Equality Commission on 15 March 2001, we have been implementing the arrangements contained in the draft Scheme since it was originally sent to the Equality Commission on 30 June 2000. Aside from the measures mentioned earlier my Department is committed to ensure that systems are in place to make information available in accessible formats in a timely fashion and to consult with individuals and representatives of affected groups by a range of methods suited to making information available and consultation meaningful.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to give details of any plans he has for an awareness campaign to publicise the range of Social Security Benefits available and the qualifying criteria for each benefit.

(AQW 2669/00)

Mr Morrow: Publicity campaigns to signal the arrival of new benefits and to increase awareness of existing benefits are regularly undertaken. Information on the qualifying conditions for all Social Security Benefits are contained in the leaflet "Your Guide to our services" which is available from all Social Security Offices, and the Benefit Shop located in Castle Court.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the actual or estimated number of queries made by elected representatives, on behalf of claimants, to Disability Living Allowance Branch in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2670/00)

Mr Morrow: The Social Security Agency does not hold actual figures for the number of queries made by elected representatives, on behalf of customers, to Disability Living Allowance Branch for each of the last five years. However a manual count shows that 420 enquiries were received in the calendar year 2000.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the measures being taken to improve the enquiry service for elected representatives at Disability Living Allowance Branch.

(AQW 2671/00)

Mr Morrow: Disability Living Allowance Branch provide a direct contact number for MLAs and MPs, this number is manned during office hours and an after hours voice mail service is also provided. Staff in this section has been doubled in the last 6 months to help with enquiries.

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the number of applications made by tenants to the Housing Executive to purchase their homes and (b) the number of houses sold to tenants in the District Council areas of Newry and Mourne, Banbridge and Down for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.

(AQW 2677/00)

Mr Morrow: The table below shows the information requested by financial year 1 April to 31 March. It should be noted that most applications result in houses sold, but not necessarily in the year in which the application was made.

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of complaints from tenants regarding sub-standard work carried out by contractors employed by the Housing Executive in the District Council areas of Banbridge, Newry and Mourne and Down for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.

(AQW 2681/00)

Mr Morrow: This information is not readily available in the format requested. However, during the period 1998 to 2000 there were 8 "Less Than Satisfactory" reports relating to improvement contracts and 17 similar reports relating to response maintenance, in the District Council areas of Banbridge, Newry and Mourne and Down. These reports were provided by Project Contract Supervisors on the basis of information received.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development whether it is the intention of the NIHE to retain its framework of 21 consultants and to detail the cost to NIHE, since November 1996, of this consultative arrangement.

(AQW 2717/00)

Mr Morrow: The Housing Executive is currently reviewing its requirements for consultant support, both in terms of numbers and services.

The fees for Framework Consultants based on tendered rates and on commissions awarded since November 1996 up to 30 April 2001 totalled £11,062,000. The fees include all travel and subsistence but exclude minor fees associated with consultation.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has no obligation to provide car parking facilities outside Housing Executive properties and to detail the steps he is taking to address this situation.

(AQW 2724/00)

Mr Morrow: I can confirm that the Housing Executive has no obligation to provide car parking spaces outside its properties.

However, the Executive, in consultation with residents, reviews the need for car parking when an estate is due for improvement. In such cases additional parking spaces may be provided either in-curtilage or in communal groupings, depending on the layout of the estate. Where appropriate in new build social housing, provision is now made for car parking facilities.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of complaints made against decisions of the Child Support Agency in the year 2000.

(AQW 2728/00)

Mr Morrow: The Northern Ireland Child Support Agency received a total of 1,646 complaints against decisions made during the year 2000.

The total included 1,466 requests to revise a decision and 180 applications to appeal a decision.

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development if the Belfast Regeneration team has finished its review of festival funding and will he lodge a copy of the final report in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 2743/00)

Mr Morrow: The Belfast Regeneration Office has completed the evaluation of its funding of festival activities. A copy of the evaluation report will be lodged in the Assembly Library.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to (a) confirm the start date for the Warm Homes Scheme announced on 27 March 2001 and (b) ensure that all pensioners qualify for this scheme including those who do not qualify for (i) income support benefit or (ii) rate relief.

(AQW 2747/00)

Mr Morrow: It is proposed that the installation of physical measures, ie insulation and central heating systems under the Warm Homes scheme will commence on 1 July 2001.

Only pensioners aged 60 or over and in receipt of Income Support, Rate Rebate, Housing Benefit or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance will be able to qualify for the scheme. I recognise that there will be some pensioners who are not on benefit but may be deserving of assistance. This is a difficult issue; whatever the cut off point, there will always be those who just miss out. With fuel poverty being linked to income, I believe that the receipt of benefits is the fairest method of establishing those who are most at risk. However, my Department, in liaison with the Energy Saving Trust, has recently set up a new Fuel Poverty Partnership Forum, consisting of key personnel from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Members have been tasked with, inter alia, developing a voluntary scheme to help hardship cases, which do not meet the Warm Homes criteria. It will take time for the Forum to address the issue, develop appropriate qualifying criteria and secure the necessary funding. I have asked to be kept informed of progress and for situation reports to be provided at appropriate intervals.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, within the Housing Executive’s key performance indicators, (a) those areas where deviation from planned performance has been identified and (b) the corrective action that has been initiated in each case.

(AQW 2749/00)

Mr Morrow: In the year 2000/01 the Housing Executive reported a satisfactory performance in 56 of its 59 key performance indicators (KPI). Performance deviated from that planned in only three main areas –

Business Plan Objective 3 – To facilitate housing choice by promoting sustainable home ownership and a diverse well managed private rented sector.

The processing of house sales applications (KPI 3.1.1. – Issue offers to 95% of all eligible tenants applying to buy their homes within 10 weeks of application) fell short of target (54% for the year). At the end of the year, however, the performance for the month of March was 77%. Subsequent to the amalgamation of different house sales areas in the NIHE’s Land and Property Division, and a large increase in the number of applications from tenants to purchase their homes, a backlog of applications had built up. This has now been cleared and the NIHE expect to meet their KPI, this year.

Business Plan Objective 4 – To deliver a high quality housing service in accord with the Government’s principles of "Best Value".

KPI 4.1.2 The challenging targets for dealing with complaints (Deal with complaints in an effective and efficient manner. Normally complaints to be dealt with at Stage1 – 10 days; Stage2 – 10 days) were not met. However, it is pleasing to note the improvement on the year from 58% of complaints being answered within the time in 1999/00, to this year when 70% of complaints were dealt with on target. A new computer system has been tendered for and this should aid the NIHE’s performance

KPI 4.2.1 Ensure that total arrears at 31 March 2001 do not increase beyond the figure at 31 March 2000. The gross level of arrears rose during the year (119%) of target. This rise is largely attributable to a data matching exercise where considerable overpayments of Housing Benefit were identified. The level of arrears excluding the effect of these overpayments is an increase of 1.85% for the year The Housing Executive has established a Review Group to evaluate its arrears policy and monitoring procedures. The Housing Executive is focussing on debt prevention and a debt counselling service is now available to tenants. Existing guidelines concerning voluntary agreements for repaying arrears have also been reviewed and procedures leading to repossession in cases where tenants have the means but refuse to voluntarily repay or have otherwise failed to meet their rent obligations, have been speeded up.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development if he will make it his policy to install smoke detectors in all Housing Executive Dwellings and to make a statement.

(AQW 2756/00)

Mr Morrow: This is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. It is not practical or feasible to install battery-operated smoke detectors in every situation. There are maintenance issues, siting difficulties and public liability responsibilities. However, the Executive installs mains powered smoke detectors, with battery back up, in the following circumstances: -

• in all new build (including housing associations);
• in all programmed improvement schemes and in maintenance schemes, where there is significant work to electrical circuits;
• in all flats and maisonettes (programme completed);
• where a powered stairlift or vertical lift is installed;
• where a change of heating is carried out for a person with special needs; and
• in dwellings designed and built for the elderly (programme under way).

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development to ensure that the heating system policy in Housing Executive properties is changed to permit tenants to have a dual system; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2757/00)

Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Its current fuel heating policy is to provide natural gas heating within the gas supply area and oil outside the gas supply area.

It is not Housing Executive policy to provide or permit the installation of a dual heating system because of the potential dangers inherent in such a system.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the discussions he has had with the Housing Executive to remove the restriction placed on the over 60s concerning their inability to purchase two bed housing executive properties in which they reside; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2758/00)

Mr Morrow: I have not had any such discussions, but my officials regularly discuss the house sales policy with Housing Executive officials and apprise them of policy issues and concerns arising, for example, from correspondence and other approaches by public representatives. The Housing Executive is carrying out a comprehensive review of the house sales scheme, including the restriction on sales of certain properties to the elderly. The outcome of the review is expected later in the year, at which time I will consider any proposals for change.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what action will be taken to ensure that the improvements to ‘Phase 3’ dwellings in the Monkstown Estate, Newtownabbey, will be completed by the original proposed date.

(AQW 2766/00)

Mr Morrow: This is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The contractor who had been awarded Phase 3 of the Housing Executive programme for Monkstown Estate, Newtownabbey had to be released from his contract at the end of April 2001. The work still required will now have to be re-tendered but it is anticipated that the new contract will start in the Autumn of 2001. Completion of the dwellings will depend on the contract duration which will be agreed between the Housing Executive and the new contractor.

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development to outline his plans to strengthen the existing legislation on alcohol by-laws to include (a) the seizure and disposal of alcohol from young people and other offenders and (b) the introduction of a fixed penalty system to help alleviate this major problem.

(AQW 2770/00)

Mr Morrow: The legislation under which the byelaws are made is contained in the Local Government Act (NI) 1972 which is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment and, consequently is outside of my remit. However, responsibility for the general policy on, and confirmation of, drinking in public byelaws rests with my Department and recent evidence presented to me suggests some dissatisfaction with the present operation of these. I have, therefore, asked my officials to commence an examination of this issue to ascertain what improvements, if any, are possible and the matters you raised relating to seizure and the introduction of a fixed penalty system will feature in that examination. However, in view of other ongoing commitments, this examination cannot get under way until later this year.

You may also be interested to know that, under the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, the police already have the power to confiscate alcohol held by, or for the use of, persons under the age of 18 in a public place.

Mr O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Development whether he has any plans to privatise any functions currently carried out by the Housing Executive.

(AQO 1371/00)

Mr Morrow: I have no such plans, however I will continually look at innovative ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Housing Executive and to ensure best value in the provision of services to the public.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the proposed timetable for the introduction of Sunday on-course betting at Down Royal and Downpatrick Racecourses.

(AQO 1391/00)

Mr Morrow: My main priority at this time is the reform of legislation on housing as included in the legislative programme for the current Assembly session. In view of this, and taking account of the ongoing gambling review in Great Britain which may have implications for Northern Ireland, I have no plans at present to bring forward proposals to amend the gambling legislation to allow Sunday on-course betting. A timetable is, therefore, not available.

Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Social Development to assess how the current Housing Executive allocation system addresses the needs of (a) those on long term waiting lists and (b) those seeking housing transfer due to illness or age.

(AQO 1370/00)

Mr Morrow: Generally, a tenancy is offered to the applicant with the highest points. The length of time spent on the waiting list depends on the number of points that an applicant has and the number of lettings becoming available in their area of choice. Length of time on the waiting list is a factor in the pointing system, attracting an award of up to a maximum of 10 points.

The housing needs of transfer applicants is assessed in the same way as applicants for new tenancies. Illness or age as such, are not factors within the selection scheme, but rather, the effects of a tenant’s current accommodation on their health and social well-being.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the number of community groups and delegations he has met to discuss their concerns at the level of funding in the community sector (b) those groups he has met (c) those groups he has declined to meet and (d) specify the reasons for having declined such meetings.

(AQO 1372/00)

Mr Morrow: As Minister for the Department for Social Development I receive many requests for meetings from a wide range of individuals and organisations. These include community groups and delegations whose particular concern is the level of funding in the community sector. I have met with 4 and declined meetings with 7 such community groups. I consider each request for a meeting on its merits and within the demands of my wider programme of responsibilities.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development to outline what he is doing to deal with rural poverty as a result of foot-and-mouth disease.

(AQO 1400/00)

Mr Morrow: I fully understand the dreadful impact the foot-and-mouth disease is having on rural areas. I was pleased to announce, at the very outset, measures to help the farming community and I established a taskforce within my Department to ensure that all possible steps were taken to support the drive against the disease. To ensure that they are aware of their social security benefit entitlement the Social Security Agency held discussions with the representatives of the farming community, distributed an information leaflet for them and published main contact points in all its offices to deal with their enquiries. Anyone living on a farm is not required to sign on or visit local offices until further notice. The Housing Executive also took steps to inform people claiming Housing Benefit. I am also pleased that many staff from my Department have volunteered to help out as appropriate in the operational measures taken against the disease.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps he is taking to minimise inconvenience and disruption to home owners during planned refurbishment on Housing Executive estates.

(AQO 1408/00)

Mr Morrow: When contracts are carried out in the vicinity of private owners, the Housing Executive makes every effort, through the contract and in the consultation process with the people involved, to ensure that disruption to the private owners is minimised. Contract documentation requires that the contractor takes all reasonable precautions to prevent damage to adjoining properties; he must also seek permission for the erection of items such as scaffolding and to make good any subsequent damage. The contractor is also required to notify private owners not less than one week before starting on site. A Project Manager is appointed by the Housing Executive to ensure the terms and conditions of the Contract are delivered.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the latest numbers of applicants for public sector housing in each category and to make a statement on his proposals for public sector accommodation.

(AQO 1417/00)

Mr Morrow: At March 2001, the waiting list for Housing Executive and housing association tenancies comprised 21,682 applicants for new tenancies and 11,839 existing tenants wishing transfers. The waiting list is not categorised. Applicants are awarded points on a cumulative basis for factors such as current home conditions or security of tenure, however, I can confirm that of the 21,682 applicants for new tenancies, 2,823 are statutorily homeless (including 215 applicants awarded Intimidation points). In the current year it is planned to build 1,200 units of new social housing accommodation and it is anticipated that there will be around 10,000 re-lets of existing accommodation.

Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to outline any progress the Housing Executive has made in respect of the proposed ‘community safety’ programme.

(AQO 1406/00)

Mr Morrow: In November last, the Housing Executive set up an Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, to develop a strategic approach to the issue of community safety on an inter-agency basis.

Current actions include delivering a programme of inter-agency training, appointing neighbourhood wardens to many of the problematic estates, liaising with Councils and the Police in setting up Community Safety Boards and developing mediation skills for staff in conjunction with the NI Mediation Network.

Mr M Murphy asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the criteria for obtaining replacement grants and how long does it take to process such an application.

(AQO 1403/00)

Mr Morrow: The Housing Executive can consider Replacement Grant for any isolated, unfit dwelling in a rural area, where the dwelling is not capable of being renovated on technical grounds, or where replacement is considered to be the most cost effective solution. The grant is available to owner-occupier applicants who have lived in the house for two years prior to the date of application. It is also available for applicants who propose to acquire an unfit house, so long as they can satisfy statutory conditions, which are, that they meet the Housing Executive’s urgent housing need criteria and have strong social and economic ties to the area.

There can be significant variations in the time taken to process replacement grant applications. The Housing Executive’s target is that an inspection will be carried out within 20 weeks from the receipt of the enquiry and this is achieved in 99% of grant cases.

From inspection of the property to the issue of the Schedule of Works the target is 12 weeks which is achieved in 80% of grant cases. On submission of all the necessary documentation from the grant applicant to the issue of the grant approval the target is 26 weeks which is achieved in 94% of grant cases.

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