Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail by constituency the distribution of the Home Energy Survey Reports prepared by the three Energy Efficiency Advice Centres for 2000-01.

(AQW 1102/01)

Mr Dodds: This information is not available in the format requested. However, the table below records the number of Home Energy Survey Reports prepared by the 3 Energy Efficiency Advice Centres for 2000-01 by District Council area:

Antrim	282
Ards	537
Armagh	540
Ballymena	229
Ballymoney	198
Banbridge	210
Belfast	5513
Carrickfergus	319
Castlereagh	679
Coleraine	814
Cookstown	670
Craigavon	666
Derry	2899
Down	975
Dungannon	1104
Fermanagh	2332
Larne	305
Limavady	420
Lisburn	480
Magherafelt	425
Moyle	113
Newry & Mourne	526
Newtownabbey	343
North Down	640
Omagh	1049
Strabane	941

Hospitality : December 2001

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the cost of and (b) to whom he is providing hospitality during the month of December 2001.

(AQW 1106/01)

Mr Dodds: In December 2001, my hospitality costs for a number of lunchtime business meetings with officials and a reception for customers and representative Department staff amounted to £688.84.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what plans he has to (a) fit smoke alarms to all Housing Executive properties; and (b) encourage all private landlords to fit smoke alarms to their properties.

(AQW 1113/01)

Mr Dodds: With regard to the fitting of smoke alarms to all Housing Executive properties, I refer the Member to the reply given to him in relation to Assembly Question 2,756 on 11 May 2001.

With regard to private landlords, the Housing Executive does encourage the installation of smoke alarms. To date 1,156 have been installed as a result of grants paid to landlords.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the level of maintenance expenditure within the Housing Executive budget, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1127/01)

Mr Dodds: The information is as follows:

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Housing Executive's budget allocation, by district council area, in the year 2001.

(AQW 1128/01)

Mr Dodds: This information is not available in the format requested. However the table below details the budget allocation for the financial year 2001/02 for the five Housing Executive Areas.

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister for Social Development to make a statement on the micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) trials targeted at 6,000 fuel poor homes in Great Britain and to outline any plans he has to introduce such a programme to Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1135/01)

Mr Dodds: The micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) trials in Great Britain are at an early stage and it is premature to make assessments of their effectiveness. The Housing Executive has, however, indicated that it is interested in participating in a pilot scheme in the future, when the technology relating to (CHP) had been fully explored and developed. Currently, discussions are taking place between my Department and the Housing Executive to take this forward.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment of the effectiveness of the £317,000 spent by the Housing Executive in 2000-01 on the promotion of energy efficiency within the domestic sector.

(AQW 1159/01)

Mr Dodds: The Housing Executive is the Home Energy Conservation Authority (HECA) for Northern Ireland and reports annually to me on progress in meeting its target to improve energy efficiency in the domestic sector. The Housing Executive reports a 13% improvement within the last 5 years, which compares favourably with the average 6.2% achieved by HECA Authorities in Great Britain.

In 2000/01 the Housing Executive spent £317,000 on providing funding for voluntary bodies, developing financial incentives for owner-occupiers who do not qualify for grant schemes and for advertising. This funding has helped contribute to the improvements in energy efficiency in the domestic sector.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, by constituency (a) the distribution of the 688 home energy surveys generated as a result of the Housing Executive's 2000-01 mobile advice campaign on energy conservation; and (b) to list the 24 district towns and villages visited.

(AQW 1176/01)

Mr Dodds: Information as to the distribution of the 688 home energy surveys is not available by constituency. However, the table below records the towns in which Home Energy Checks were generated during the 2000-01 mobile advice campaign and the dates on which the towns were visited.

TOWN	DATE VISITED
Ballycastle	30 May 2000
Newtownards	31 May 2000
Cookstown	1 June 2000
Londonderry	8 June 2000
Strabane	15 June 2000
Larne	21 June 2000
Ballymena	23 October 2000
Newcastle	21 October 2000
Newry	28 October 2000
Bangor	1 November 2000
Newtownards	17 November 2000
Carrickfergus	23 November 2000
Downpatrick	25 November 2000
Coleraine	2 December 2000
Craigavon	14 December 2000
Dungannon	20 December 2000
Armagh	11 January 2001
Omagh	18 January 2001
Limavady	26 January 2001
Ballyclare	5 February 2001
Lisburn	10 January 2001
Banbridge	15 February 2001
Enniskillen	22 February 2001
Antrim	23 February 2001

Energy Efficiency Advice Centres

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, by constituency, the distribution of the 782 home energy surveys generated as a result of the Housing Executive's 2000-01 television advertising campaign on energy conservation.

(AQW 1177/01)

Mr Dodds: This information is not available in the format requested. However, the home energy surveys are recorded by the 3 Energy Efficiency Advice Centres (EEACs) as follows:

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what plans he has to tackle the problem of fuel poverty.

(AQW 1182/01)

Mr Dodds: The principal measure to tackle fuel poverty, the new Warm Homes Scheme, launched on 2 July 2001, provides a comprehensive package of heating and insulation measures for owner-occupiers and private sector tenants. For example, disabled people and families with young children receive insulation if they are in receipt of certain benefits and over 60s on income based benefits are entitled to free central heating systems. In addition, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's heating replacement and improvement schemes together with the Housing Associations' new build programme will help alleviate fuel poverty amongst social sector tenants. The Programme for Government recognises the problem of fuel poverty and includes a commitment to assist 20,000 households by December 2004.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps he will take to encourage urban regeneration in Larne; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1189/01)

Mr Dodds: Officials from my Department have been working with representatives from other Departments to draw up proposals for the reinvigoration of town centres throughout Northern Ireland. A draft strategy is being considered by relevant Ministers and will be presented to the Executive in the early part of this year. In addition to any specific proposals, my Department will provide general guidelines for the reinvigoration of town centres. These guidelines will of course recognise the need to allow local people flexibility to adopt policies, which best meet the needs of individual towns.

Local Councils and other local interests are increasingly bringing forward their own local regeneration strategies and my Department is providing advice and guidance as and when this is requested. An official from my Department has been working closely with the local enterprise agency in Larne on regeneration issues and will continue to work with the group for as long as required.

In particular, an official from my Department, in partnership with the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), has been working closely with community groups and the local enterprise agency to bring forward a community based economic project for the town. Consultants have been commissioned to complete an economic appraisal and are expected to report on options this month.

In relation to the physical appearance of the town, my Department recently completed an Environmental Improvement scheme for the Broadway/Main Street area in Larne. The scheme cost £350,000 and has improved the general appearance of this part of the town centre.

DSD is also responsible for the allocation of European funds under the Special European Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Under the Urban Regeneration Sub-Programme of PEACE 1, a grant of £122,600 was paid towards the provision of 6 new business units offering over 15,000 square feet of accommodation for letting. The project is an extension of an existing business park at Bank Road, Larne. The units are fully occupied and have created 16 jobs.

Under Peace II, Measure 2.11 - Area Based Regeneration, my Department will shortly be inviting bids from local Councils for assistance towards the preparation of plans for the reinvigoration of town centres. Criteria will be based on the need to demonstrate that proposals address the legacy of the conflict and are taking the opportunities arising from peace. Larne Borough Council will be eligible to apply for funding under this measure.

The Housing Executive is responsible for the assessment of housing need, and its assessment is, that need in the Larne area is largely met. The number of new dwellings being provided by the private sector has increased and this, together with the static nature of the overall population of Larne, has contributed to the increase in voids of Housing Executive property. The Housing Executive is taking steps to address this issue in a number of ways including the proposed demolition of empty properties particularly in Seacourt and Ramore Green.

In addition, the Creating Common Ground consortium, a partnership of key statutory and voluntary agencies, including the Housing Executive and my Department, is developing a regeneration programme targeted at the most disadvantaged communities throughout the Housing Executive's stock. The consortium has identified the Seacourt estate in Larne for a significant regeneration initiative. This initiative will address issues including environmental regeneration, community infrastructure, community relations and community safety in a strategic and coordinated manner. It is hoped that Seacourt residents can be assisted in renewing the area and creating a cohesive community. The consortium will encourage other key local organisations to join with it in developing this initiative with the community.

Other strategic proposals for Craigyhill, Shane House, Sallagh Park, Doric Way, and Fairways are being developed with community involvement.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps he has taken to ensure that Phase 3 of the Monkstown Estate Upgrade Scheme is completed as quickly as possible.

(AQW 1190/01)

Mr Dodds: The Monkstown Phase 3 Improvement Contract which started in January 2000 was stopped following the murder of a workman on site. The Housing Executive released the original contractor from his obligations because of difficulties in retaining a labour force. This necessitated retendering to secure the completion of the contract and it is anticipated that work will restart within the next few weeks.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Social Development if he has any plans to stop means testing in respect of the Disabled Facilities Grant.

(AQW 1299/01)

Mr Dodds: At present, I have no such plans, however, I have asked officials to review the means test element of Disabled Facilities Grant generally, and to provide advice on the potential for change, and the implications from equality and other perspectives. This may take time, since the views of other agencies will need to be sought. I will respond more fully when considerations are complete.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to outline if he has any plans to review the Disability Living Allowance appeal process.

(AQW 1302/01)

Mr Dodds: The current appeal process is set to meet the requirements of the legislation as introduced through the Decision Making and Appeals Order and Regulations. There are no plans for any major change to the Disability Living Allowance appeal process.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development if tenants renting their dwellings from local authorities qualify to purchase their homes under the House Sales Scheme.

(AQW 1313/01)

Mr Dodds: The House Sales schemes operated by the Housing Executive and housing associations apply only to their own properties and not those of other local authorities. Within the schemes, periods of tenancy with local authorities in Great Britain or local councils in Northern Ireland, can count towards the discount available for the purchase of Housing Executive or housing association homes.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of (a) a Disability Living Allowance oral hearing; (b) an Incapacity Benefit oral hearing; and (c) a Social Security oral hearing.

(AQW 1328/01)

Mr Dodds: The average cost to the Social Security Agency of an oral appeal hearing for; Disability Living Allowance is £190.50, Incapacity Benefit is £69; and Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance is £78.

The cost of the different categories of benefit hearings to The Appeals Service is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, for the 9 months ended 31 December 2001 the running costs for the Appeals Service totalled £2.7 million and 17,376 appeals were heard.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the current number of applications for leave to appeal to the Commissioner regarding Disability Living Allowance oral hearings.

(AQW 1329/01)

Mr Dodds: There are currently 49 applications for leave to appeal to the Social Security Commissioner with the Appeals Service (NI) against a decision made by the Appeals Tribunal at a Disability Living Allowance oral hearing.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the current number and length of time taken for a Disability Living Allowance oral hearing appeal tribunal.

(AQW 1330/01)

Mr Dodds: There are currently 1151 oral Disability Living Allowance appeals with The Appeals Service (NI) awaiting a first hearing date. There are a further 567 appeals with Disability Living Allowance Branch to be submitted to The Appeals Service.

It is taking Disability Living Allowance Branch approximately 11 weeks from the date the appeal request is received to the date the case is submitted to The Appeals Service to arrange the appeal hearing. Upon receipt of the submission it is taking The Appeals Service approximately 20 weeks to arrange an oral hearing.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development what assessment he has made of the information value contained in the Disability Living Allowance 370 (Mob) and 370 (Care) form.

(AQW 1331/01)

Mr Dodds: The 2 Forms have been combined as DLA 370 (Mob/Care). This is one of the factual reports issued to General Practitioners to gain further evidence when deciding a claim for Disability Living Allowance. In the current financial year, almost 74% of new claims to Disability Living Allowance have been determined using this factual report as the main source of evidence. It is therefore clear that factual reports completed by General Practitioners are a substantial and very valuable source of evidence when deciding a customer's entitlement to Disability Living Allowance.

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