Title of Correspondence Report: Committee Council Meeting Report Submitted To: Date of 2 March 2021 Meeting: For Decision FOR DECISION or For Information
Linkage to Council Strategy (2019-23) Strategic Leader and Champion Theme Outcome Establish key relationships with Government, agencies and potential strategic partners Lead Officer Director of Corporate Services
Budgetary Considerations Cost of Proposal Included in Current Year Estimates N/A Capital/Revenue Code Staffing Costs
Screening Required for new or revised Policies, Plans, Strategies or Service Requirements Delivery Proposals. Section 75 Screening Yes/No Date: Screening Completed:
EQIA Required Yes/No Date: and Completed: Rural Needs Screening Yes/No Date: Assessment Completed (RNA) RNA Required and Yes/No Date: Completed: Data Screening Yes/No Date: Protection Completed: Impact 210302 CM Correspondence Page 1 of 5
Assessment DPIA Required Yes/No Date: (DPIA) and Completed:
1.0 Purpose of Report
The purpose of the report is to present correspondence for Members’ consideration.
2.0 The following are listed:
2.1 Northern Ireland Housing Council correspondence dated 18th January 2021
The Minutes of The 476th Northern Ireland Housing Council meeting held on 14th January 2021 and February Bulletin are attached for information.
2.2 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council correspondence dated 17 February 2021
At a Meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Policy and Resources Committee meeting of 10 February 2021, whilst discussing the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy, Members referred to a Motion approved on 4 June 2019 calling on NILGOSC to divest from fossil fuels, tobacco and arms.
The Motion was as follows:-
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council calls on the Local Government Officer’s Superannuation Committee to divest the local Government pension scheme from fossil fuel companies. Further, this Council also calls on the local Government Officers Superannuation Committee to bring forward an ethical investment policy and desist from investment in tobacco and arms companies”
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council urge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to support Motion and have also written to NILGOSC.
Correspondence attached.
2.3 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council correspondence dated 8 February 2021
At a Meeting of Newry Mourne & Down District Council held on Monday 1
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February 2021, the following Notice of Motion was agreed:
“As part of his Covid-10 response the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak increased Universal Credit payments by £20 per week until March 2021. This was a welcome initiative given increased heating, energy and food costs from the pandemic. It must be noted that not all benefits were increased and so some in need did not get support. We must remember benefit cuts, in real terms took place over the past 10 years. However, this increase for what it is worth, is welcome. The Chancellor of the Exchequer now needs to ensure that the £20 increase extends beyond March of this year. As the economic facts show, this extra amount has helped families and claimants to meet the extra costs due to the pandemic and has supported many local businesses. In this motion we are asking that Newry Mourne and Down District Council support the campaign to retain this extra payment and extend it to other benefits, the 120,000 children living in poverty in Northern Ireland deserve any assistance available to them”.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council urge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to support Motion and write to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer outlining your Council’s support in extending the existing top up to Universal Credit to remain.
Correspondence attached.
2.4 Northern Ireland Local Government Association Meeting
Notes from meeting held on 2 February 2021 attached.
2.5 Department of Communities correspondence dated 5 February 2021
Response received re ‘Welfare Reform and Recovery Universal Basic Income’ in relation to correspondence sent from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on 21 January 2021.
Correspondence attached.
2.6 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council correspondence dated 15 February 2021
At a Meeting of Newry Mourne & Down District Council held on Monday 11 January 2021, the following Notice of Motion was agreed:
“This Council calls upon Finance Minister Conor Murphy to immediately implement the NZEB Code (Nearly Zero Energy Building Code) that the EU Directive requires the NI Department of Finance to implement by the end of the year. This Directive is adopted into UK law 13 Council alerts the Minister to the following facts:- 210302 CM Correspondence Page 3 of 5
1. NI building code is 20 years behind GB. Every private sector house built between now and 2030 will have to be retrofitted to meet the UK’s energy efficiency targets at 2030. 2. Every new house built in RoI is now more than £1000pa cheaper to run than an equivalent house in NI because of out of date building standards. All new homes in RoI thus have a typical Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2 or better. 3. RoI in November 2019 signed into law the nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) regulation under part L of the Building Code for all domestic homes – not just public buildings as in GB. New Public Buildings in RoI have already been NZEB since 31 December 2018.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council urge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to support Motion
Correspondence attached
2.7 Office of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner correspondence dated 3 February 2021
Proposals invited in relation to the boundary and name of the 11 districts: and the number, boundaries and names of the wards within the 11 districts. If you would like to submit a proposal or discuss any aspect of this please contact [email protected]
More information about the Review will be accessed through the website available at:- www.lgbc-ni.org.uk
Correspondence attached
Presented on Correspondence Schedule for Corporate, Policy and Resources Committee on 23 February 2021
2.8 Department of Economy correspondence dated 27 January 2021
Response received re ‘Payments made under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme’ in relation to correspondence sent from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on 21 January 2021.
Correspondence attached.
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2.9 Correspondence from Private Office of Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth dated 5 February 2021
Response received re ‘Mother and Baby Homes’ in relation to correspondence sent from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Correspondence attached.
2.10 Correspondence from Cara Hunter, MLA dated 5 February 2021
Request to erect a memorial to mark the life of LGBTQ+ activist, Mark Ashton in his home town of Portrush.
Correspondence attached
2.11 Department of Finance correspondence dated 9 February 2021
Response received re ‘Housing Wait Lists, Welfare System and Covid 19 Business Grant Funding’ in relation to correspondence sent from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on 21 January 2021.
Correspondence attached
3.0 It is recommended that Council consider the correspondence.
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Minutes of the 476th Meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Council Conference Call via Webex Thursday, 14th January 2021 at 10.30 am
Present at Meeting:
Present by Video Conferencing
Tommy Nicholl Mid & East Antrim Borough (Chair) Mark Cooper Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Jim Speers Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Mickey Ruane Newry, Mourne & Down District Nick Mathison Ards & North Down Borough Michelle Kelly Belfast City Allan Bresland Derry City & Strabane District Amanda Grehan Lisburn & Castlereagh City
In Attendance:
Paul Price Director of Social Housing Policy & Oversight (DfC) David Polley Director of Housing Strategy & Co-ordination (DfC) Eilish O’Neill Department for Communities Kelly Cameron Secretary (Housing Executive Secretariat)
Apologies
Anne-Marie Fitzgerald Fermanagh & Omagh District (Vice Chair) John Finlay Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Catherine Elattar Mid Ulster Borough
1.0 Declarations of Interest
None.
2.0 To adopt the Minutes of the 475th Housing Council Meeting held on Thursday 12th November 2020
It was proposed by Councillor Nick Mathison, seconded by Councillor Michelle Kelly and resolved, that the Minutes of the 475th Meeting of the Housing Council held on Thursday 10th December 2020 be approved and signed by the Chair.
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Housing Council 476th Meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Council
3.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Invitation to the Minister for Communities - Carál Ní Chuilín to attend a future Housing Council meeting
It was noted that a reply is still awaited.
Agreed: Paul Price to check if there is any progress on this invite. P Price
3.2 Queries by Members responded to since the last meeting, in relation to policy issues have been included in your papers for information:-
Councillor Mark Cooper – Information on the Warm, Well and Connected scheme
Alderman Amanda Grehan - Successful Affordable Warmth Scheme Applications by Council area
Alderman Jim Speers - Details of the emergency processes in place in the event of a boiler breaking down
4.0 Housing Issues, Department for Communities
Mr Paul Price and Mr David Polley highlighted the changes under the specific headings on the Department for Communities (DfC) Housing Issues:-
Social Newbuild starts
Mr Price reiterated that the Department for Communities are optimistic that the 1850 target will be met by the end of March 2021.
Co-ownership Programme for Social Reform Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations Policy Reclassification of Northern Ireland Social Housing Providers Supporting People Delivery Strategy Homelessness Strategy
Regulation of the Private Rented Sector
Increasing Housing Supply
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Affordable Warmth Scheme
Alderman Grehan thanked the Department for the work they have done to deliver this scheme with Councils and welcomed the potential of the secured capital budget for £16m pending consultation for this scheme in 2021/22 and also the changes to the schemes eligibility which will be made in early 2021 (raising the income threshold).
Mr Polley undertook to provide Mr Mathison with details on the Affordable Warmth Scheme budget figures for the last few years, compared to the projected £16 m requested for the coming year. D Polley
NIHE Rent Increase ERDF Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014 -2020 Programme for Government (PfG) Outcomes Framework Options to remove historical debt from the NIHE and exclude it from having to pay Corporation Tax Long term rent trajectory Affordability of social rents
6.0 Next Fifty Years: Working Together to Create the Future of Northern Ireland Social Housing
Professor Peter Roberts, Chair of the Housing Executive gave a presentation on the Next Fifty Years: Working Together to Create the Future of Northern Ireland Social Housing. (Copies of the slides are appended to these minutes – Appendix A).
The Chair, Alderman Tommy Nicholl thanked Professor Roberts for a very informative and encouraging presentation and gave an assurance that the Housing Council would continue to work together and enhance the relationship to ensure a positive future for social housing.
Alderman Nicholl referred to the proposal to increase the number of new social homes built - from 1,900 per annum to 2,100 per annum in 2021/22 and to 2,300 per annum by the end of year 5 and how the infrastructure was to be managed as there were some areas have reached their capacity, and as a result NI Water
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will not be able to permit new connections, which may result in development at locations across Northern Ireland being constrained.
Professor Roberts explained currently if the Housing Associations deliveries homes by using an existing footprint that is already serving water supply and sewage that minimises the problem, he added it is recognised that there are capacity issues, but in some situations the local service systems is not at capacity, therefore if the Housing Executive can re-provision the increase of the number of properties on certain land, then there is provision for supply without having to provide additional sewage capacity.
Professor Roberts added the Housing Executive are exploring innovative ways, looking at affordable renewable energy in some areas of under supply of electricity, the Housing Executive can use renewables and also examining package plants to deal with sewage issues.
It was acknowledged at a recent presentation by a representative from NI Water Service highlighted that there is significant investment needed for wastewater and water infrastructure within the Province and If under investment continues, there will be significant constraints on economic growth and damage to the environment.
Professor Roberts explained that Package Plants are ideal for rural areas, deliver of factory constructed housing which has huge thermal insulation properties which reduces energy supply for these houses and you install a package plant, which deals with its own waste and the only service the property requires is electricity and water supply. Professor Roberts highlighted that there are several examples within the United Kingdom and the infrastructure needs supporting to enable the social housing programme to be delivered without obstruction.
In response to Councillor Mathison question, Professor Roberts explained that Affordable Housing needs to be ‘affordable’ in order for people to be able to pay. Mr Polley assured Members that it is not the intention to following the UK model of affordable housing. Mr Polley also assured Members that the recommendations of the Fundamental Review of Allocations will reflect those in need of social housing and not being directed into the private rented sector.
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Housing Council 476th Meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Council
Referring to Community Cohesion, it was agreed that social housing should not be a single identity, shared future housing should continue to be promoted for the future in Northern Ireland and the different tenures within a scheme should not be segregated.
The Chair, Alderman Nicholl reiterated the need to working collaboratively together for the future of communities.
7.0 Private Rented Sector Proposals
Eilish O’Neill gave a presentation on the Review of the role and regulation of the Private Rented Sector (Copies of the Slides are appended to these minutes – Appendix B).
Members welcomed recommendations which will include measures to improve the safety, security and quality of the Private Rented Sector and would like to see these changes implemented as soon as possible.
In response to Councillor Mathison’s question in relation to the proposed extension to the notice period given to tenants to vacate the private rented accommodation, Ms O’Neill explained that following the Consultation period in 2016, it was proposed an extension from the period of four weeks should be extended to eight weeks for landlords to give notice to quit. The Minister feels that this should be extended further and this issue is currently being addressed with the Departments Legal department.
Mr Speers referred to the transfer the Landlords Registration Scheme to Local Councils and hoped that sufficient funds would be made available to Councils to support the scheme.
Members recognised that there was significant work to be carried out within the private rented sector and in particular, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s).
The Chair thanked Ms O’Neill for a very informative and welcoming presentation.
7.0 Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations – Consultation Outcome Report
Members noted the Report, which will be subject to a presentation at the February Meeting.
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Housing Council 476th Meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Council
AGREED: In order to give sufficient time for debate and discussion for this item, this would be the only item presented at the February agenda; Members to submit any questions prior to the Presentation to All the Secretary in order to be passed to the Department for Members Communities.
8.0 Social Housing Development Programme Housing Starts and Completions
Members noted the report.
9.0 Housing Executive’s Scheme Starts December 2020
Members noted the report.
10.0 Date and Venue of Next Meeting – Thursday 11th February 2021 at 10.30 am via Webex
The Meeting concluded at 12.30 pm.
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Appendix A
Northern Ireland Housing Council Meeting 14 January 2021
THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS: Working Together to Create the Future of Northern Ireland Social Housing
Professor Peter Roberts Chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
THE BIG ISSUES
• The undersupply of social and affordable homes: this is evident in the continuing crisis of housing stress and homelessness; the inability of some people to afford even a basic home; the inadequacy of some properties - a lack of essential services and space within and outwith the home; the capacity of the sector to meet demand for housing; and the permanent use of temporary measures. • The condition of NIHE stock and the funding challenge - the stock is old, in some cases near to end-of-life, below modern standards and environmentally inefficient.
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AND THE CONSEQUENCES
• Without action on a number of fronts our communities face:
growing housing stress; continuing and growing homelessness; increasing real costs of housing and services; falling quality of Housing Executive homes; a loss of Housing Executive homes; and other consequences that may weaken community cohesion.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
• The Minister’s Statement offers a comprehensive programme for the much needed revitalisation of the Housing Executive and the supply of social and other homes. • But the Housing Executive needs the tools and strong partners to tackle the issues, for example: the ability to borrow; the write-off of historic debt and exemption from Corporation Tax;
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Housing Council 476th Meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Council
WHAT MIGHT GOOD LOOK LIKE?
• An increase in the number of new social homes built - from 1,900 per annum to 2,100 per annum in 2021/22 and to 2,300 per annum by the end of year 5. • The introduction of more cost-effective and environmentally-sound construction methods that also allow for more rapid delivery. • An increase in the conversion of appropriate commercial, office and other buildings, including the creation of extracare and specialised supported housing units.
FINALLY
• Within this view of the future there are choices to be made about the scale, speed and sustainability of the future supply of social and other housing, and these relate to a number of factors, such as: land availability and planning status; infrastructure provision - social and economic; construction sector capacity and methods of supply. • Equally, it is likely that local circumstances will vary, even within the area of a Council, and this means that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not appropriate - in order to create the future housing stock it is vital for Councils to be the principal partner of the Housing Executive - together we need to engage in comprehensive conversations about how our communities can be developed and managed.
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Appendix B
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FEBRUARY HOUSING COUNCIL BULLETIN
The Northern Ireland Housing Council met on Thursday, 11th February 2021 at 10.30 am via Conference Call.
For Information, a report of the attendance is undernoted:-
Present by Video Conferencing
Tommy Nicholl Mid & East Antrim Borough (Chair) Anne-Marie Fitzgerald Fermanagh & Omagh District (Vice Chair) Mark Cooper Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Nick Mathison Ards & North Down Borough Jim Speers Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Michelle Kelly Belfast City Allan Bresland Derry City & Strabane District Mickey Ruane Newry, Mourne & Down District Catherine Elattar Mid Ulster Borough Council
Members Apologies
John Finlay Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Amanda Grehan Lisburn & Castlereagh City
Discussions on the undernoted matters took place as follows:-
The Housing Executive’s Chief Executive, Clark Bailie gave a verbal update on Housing Executive’s Business from the December/January Board Meeting, which included the following items:-
The Board held a (Special Meeting) in December to discuss the Housing Executive’s new Board Committee Structure and the long-term future of the Housing Executive.
At the Board Meeting on 27th January, the Department of Communities’ Permanent Secretary, Tracy Meharg, joined the Board Meeting to share a brief summary on several issues.
Papers considered at the meeting were as follows:-
1. Tower Block Action Plan Update 2. Demolition of Monkscoole House Tower Block 3. Homelessness Response to Covid-19 & Homelessness Funding 4. Homelessness Funding Update 2020/21
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5. Housing Executive Response to NIAO report on Homelessness 6. Welfare Reform Project Update 7. Approval to award a contract for Provision of an Occupational Therapist Service ECM Ardgart Place, Avonlea Gardens, Inniscarn Drive etc 8. Housing Services Customer Service Excellence Re-accreditation 2020/21 9. Response to NIRHC Out of Sight out of Mind – Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland Report 10. Compliance Health & Safety Update January 2021 11. Settlement of Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations on Former NIHE Office 12. Housing Services Customer Service Excellence Re-accreditation 2020/21 13. Corporate Quarterly Report as at 31st December 2021 14. Land Acquisitions and Disposals Quarterly Update 15. Supporting People Programme Update
It had been agreed that this meeting should concentrate solely on Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations Consultation Outcome Report by the Department for Communities and an in-depth discussion took place.
Once the minutes of the meeting are ratified at the March Meeting, they can be accessed on the Housing Council website: www.nihousingcouncil.org
The next Housing Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 11th March at 10.30 am via conference call.
Should you require any further information or have any questions regarding the content.
Contacts Chair, Alderman Tommy Nicholl MBE [email protected] Mobile: 07970012520
Secretary, Kelly Cameron The Housing Centre, 2 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8PB [email protected] Tel: 028 95982752
______
Page 2 Alison McCullagh Chief Executive
Our Ref: Democratic Services Date: 17 February 2021 Email: [email protected]
Mr David Jackson Chief Executive Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Cloonavin 66 Portstewart Road COLERAINE BT52 1EY
Dear Mr Jackson
Re: Divestment from Fossil Fuels, Tobacco and Arms
At the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee meeting of 10 February 2021, whilst discussing the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy, Members referred to a Motion which our Council had approved on 4 June 2019 calling on NILGOSC to divest from fossil fuels, tobacco and arms.
The Motion was as follows:
“Fermanagh and Omagh district council calls on the Local Government Officer’s Superannuation Committee to divest the local Government pension scheme from fossil fuel companies.
Further, this council also calls on the local Government Officers Superannuation Committee to bring forward an ethical investment policy and desist from investment in tobacco and arms companies”.
The Council asked that I write to the other ten Councils to seek their support for the course of action outlined within the Motion.
I have also written to NILGOSC seeking an update on progress on this matter since June 2019.
The Council trusts your Council will look favourably on its request to support this Motion and looks forward to receiving your response in due course.
Yours sincerely
Alison McCullagh Chief Executive
______
[email protected] Townhall, 2 Townhall Street, The Grange, Mountjoy Road, facebook.com/fermanaghomagh Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Text Ph. 028 8225 6216 @fermanaghomagh BT74 7BA BT79 7BL 0300 303 1777 www.fermanaghomagh.com
NILGA WITH TREASURY, MINISTERS, MLAs and OFFICIALS in STORMONT to GAIN SUPPORT for COUNCILS RATES & COVID RECOVERY WORK
PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT, CLIMATE BILL, INVESTMENT STRATEGY NEED WELL RESOURCED COUNCILS
WEEKLY ACTION MEETING – All Councils Tuesday 2nd February 2021 (10.15 – 11.15am)
Council Finances – there is cross party work / support to engage further with the Finance Minister on rates setting and associated assurances. Prudent rates were being worked on by all 11 councils. Figures are being revised as our bids for tens of millions of pounds and further reassurances are required before Rates are struck in late February / early March. £150million business rates relief scheme should be part of the 2021/22 picture. Capitalisation of certain revenue costs and carry over finances were asks at the Task & Finish Group; councils are dependent on 75-80% on rates for income, the balance is largely income from services. Neither part of the equation can do without government intervention.
ACTION: NILGA to provide evidence piece to Ministers on financial assurances for Councils.
Consultations – The Investment Strategy, PfG and Climate Change (latter responded to by 1st Feb) are ongoing NILGA work. The Equality Consultation and DoF Consultation will require further NILGA input and work, with SOLACE, ALGFO and officer groupings working in tandem. Councils will respond individually also at their discretion. These are all huge matters for local government and our communities.
RDI Network meeting– 22nd Feb for a discussion of the PfG and invite policy officers to inform an inclusive and informed response. STOP PRESS: TEO and DfC seek to make presentation on PfG at this session, invitations to be widened.
Edwin Poots MLA has temporarily stepped down as DAERA Minister due to ill health, Minister Gordon Lyons will be his replacement. Gary Middleton MLA has replaced Minister Lyons as Junior Minister.
ACTION: NILGA to send letter of partnership intent / congratulations to Minsters Lyons and Middleton.
EU EXIT: THE LONG TERM FOR COUNCILS: NILGA and APSE are holding a roundtable on 8th February looking at opportunities and issues arising from EU Exit, now that the future trade relationship has been agreed. All Council Chief Executives, a member from each Council and today’s attendees have been invited. EU Exit (cont’d) – Minister Poots, the Chief Vet and Council Chiefs met on Monday 1st February to discuss safety for port staff; MEABC made the unanimous decision to remove staff from Larne Port with immediate effect, DAERA then followed suit. Councils, DAERA & the FSA will carry out a risk assessment before staff return. EU staff have been withdrawn as well. SOLACE has the full support of NILGA to work appropriately and diligently on this matter. Ultimately the PSNI and information it garners / offers will be crucial.
Cllr Burgess explained his frustration that the current system at ports is not working as there are ongoing issues with import of machinery and livestock.
ACTION: Summit 8/2/21, leading to APSE / NILGA Report for Councils following event.
Food Miles Campaign – Talking to the right people, from partner agencies (UFU, NIFDA and FSA) to growers to end users is crucial in taking this campaign forward. Cllr Burgess asked that deceptive labelling be considered as an issue, members supported this. Lisa spoke with Michael Bell of NIFDA to discuss where NILGA can add value to their work. He explained that a strategic review of the agri-food sector will be carried out by DfE and NIFDA is also conducting research to determine the value of the sector in NI; Wales and Scotland are “miles ahead of here” - the sector here warrants focussed support. Farmers and producers want departments to remove unnecessary barriers and be more integrated. ABCBC is a member of NIFDA and has access to resources, expertise & advice.
NIFDA has suggested it could establish a council working group to assist staff in environmental health, economic development and waste and would like to encourage councils to engage with their awards.
Value of LG Campaign is launching 8th February 2021.
5G Campaign on benefits and health will roll out on Friday 5th February 2021. Information will be shared with Councils and NILGA will promote it too.
AOB National Insurance Office has been closed since March 2020 and as a result there are some issues for employees trying to access a NI number to gain work. Derek has enquired through TEO and will contact JJ Tohill / continue correspondence with DfC – this may have to be elevated to HMRC itself. With Minister Poots stepping down Cllr Curran is concerned that the fishing quota for NI may fall down the priority list for the incoming Minister. Nets are also a contentious issue for NI fishermen. NILGA will highlight this in the above-mentioned letter of correspondence. The Advice sector is taking a huge cut in funding from the DfC, members noted the need to be aware of this when setting budgets in Councils. Bids on rural development funding; there is a gap in terms of specific investment in / for LAGs.
Next OB Action Meetings: Tuesday 9th, 16th (TBC) & 23rd February 2021 SOLACE Meeting: Friday 5th February 2021 Joint NILGA & APSE Roundtable on EU Exit: Monday 8th February 2021 NILGA All Council Executive Meeting: Friday 12th February 2021 RDI / PfG Meeting: Monday 22nd February 2021 EIA Network Meeting: Thursday 25th February 2021 See www.nilga.org
Disclaimer
The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) endeavours to ensure that the information contained within our website, policies and other communications is up to date and correct. We do not, however, make any representation that the information will be accurate, current, complete, uninterrupted or error free or that any information or other material accessible from or related to NILGA is free of viruses or other harmful components. NILGA accepts no responsibility for any erroneous information placed by or on behalf of any user or any loss by any person or user resulting from such information. Ms Sinead Duggan Colum Boyle Via email to: Deputy Secretary Work and Health Group Level 9 Causeway Exchange 1-7 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7EG e-mail: [email protected]
Our ref: CST-0073-2021 5 February 2021
Dear Ms Duggan
WELFARE REFORM AND RECOVERY UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME
Thank you for your letter of 21 January to Minister Hargey about the need to reform the welfare system and the design and delivery of a recovery Universal Basic Income (UBI). I have been asked to reply.
The Department for Communities has been clear with its commitment to support those affected in these unprecedented times and has made a number of changes to the welfare system to ensure people are receiving the support they need. It has made a number of changes across the social security system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening the safety net to those who are without employment, who work for themselves and to help people stay in their homes. This support was aimed at helping people who subsequently became unemployed or whose earnings or work hours decreased because of the pandemic. These measures also aim to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and prevent lower paid and/or self-employed people from suffering financial loss as a result of following Public Health guidance.
In addition to the temporary increase in the Universal Credit standard allowance of £20 per week for the tax year from the 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2021, the Local Housing Allowance rates were increased in April 2020 to the 30% percentile of local market rents and all Local Housing Allowance rates will be maintained at their increased level in 2021/22, and a number of changes have been made to Statutory Sick Pay, such as removing the 3 day waiting period and extending eligibility to those who who need to self-isolate for medical reasons to protect others. A summary of the changes made to income related benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are attached at Annex A.
To help alleviate the financial difficulties people may face during the COVID-19 public health crisis the Department has recently introduced additional support in the form of a non-repayable Discretionary Support COVID-19 Living Expenses Grant. This new grant is designed to assist with short term living expenses where a person, or any member of their immediate family, has been infected by Covid-19 or has been advised to self-isolate in accordance with the latest guidance from the Public Health Agency. There is no limit to the number of COVID-19 Living Expenses Grants that can be awarded provided the claimant is in a crisis situation and these awards will not impact any future application to Discretionary Support.
This new grant alongside other changes introduced recently have enabled many more people on low incomes to access emergency financial support and have provided further help to the most vulnerable in society who are facing extreme, exceptional or crisis situations financial hardship during this period. To apply, people can call Freephone: 0800 587 2740 or Textphone: 0800 587 2751. Further information is also available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/extra-financial-support
The UK Government has implemented a range of interventions to support business including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which has been extended to the end of March 2021. Support is also available for the self-employed through the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which has been in place since March 2020, and has been extended to 30 April 2021. For Northern Ireland, the latest figures indicate some 54,100 employees were furloughed on 31 October 2020 and around 70,000 self-employed individuals received the second SEISS grant. In addition, the Executive has introduced an unprecedented range of financial support to help those impacted by COVID-19 with the objective of protecting jobs, preventing business closures and promoting economic recovery. The Department for Economy (DfE) has paid out more than £340million to date collectively across the £10k and £25k Business Grant Schemes and the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund. DfE also recently introduced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme to support businesses directly impacted by the latest Health Protection Regulations. Around £18.5 million of support has been provided through this scheme to date. In addition to this, DfE has recently launched support schemes for the newly self- employed and limited company directors, many of whom were excluded from previous schemes. Schemes have also been developed to provide support for Wet Pubs, tourist accommodation providers, and large tourism and hospitality businesses. In response to the current Covid 19 pandemic DfE introduced a package of Intervention measures to minimise apprenticeship job losses, maintain and grow the supply of apprenticeship opportunities and support apprentices who have been displaced and lost their apprenticeship.
The Return, Retain, Result Scheme offers up to £3,700 of support per apprentice and is designed to encourage the return to work and retention to successful apprenticeship completion of up to 4,500 furloughed apprentices.
The Recruitment Incentive Scheme offers support of £3,000, to employers, for each new apprenticeship opportunity created between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021.
The Apprenticeship Challenge Fund is intended to promote greater collaboration between employers and suppliers identifying innovative approaches to address barriers related to the recruitment of apprenticeships. 13 projects have received one off awards of up to £50,000 (those proposals with multiple partners or features may attract a higher award).
In addition, DfE have put in place supplier relief measures to ensure the continued viability of our skills infrastructure; developed alternative assessment measures for vocational qualifications; provided guidance on learner support; and supported apprentices, under the age of 18, who lost their jobs to continue their training on the Training for Success programme.
A £700K Digital Hardship fund has allowed training providers to purchase equipment and support connectivity for on-line learning for over 1,000 disadvantaged young people undertaking vocational training in the non-statutory sector.
DfE is committed to supporting individuals and employers, particularly those most adversely affected by COVID-19, to retain and develop the skills base across Northern Ireland. To date, DfE has allocated £6.2 million to support the provision of free, flexible, training, aimed at supporting up to 5,000 individuals who have been directly impacted by the pandemic, to improve their skills in economically relevant areas, and thus employment opportunities. Courses are available in all of the Further Education colleges and in Queen’s University, Ulster University and the Open University. Some are currently recruiting, with the rest to go live between now and February 2021 and anyone, of any age, whose employment has been hit by the pandemic can avail of these opportunities 20 of these places are for a pilot scheme to support women returners undertake a training course in ICT, with a guaranteed interview with some of Northern Ireland’s most high profile employers in the digital sector. A further 200 opportunities are to provide graduate placement opportunities for those recently leaving university, blending training in Leadership and Management, and Digital, with an internship at a local employer.
DfE is also working on the development of a new Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, to be consulted on in early 2021, with a view to publishing by the summer. The overarching focus of the Strategy is on developing a skills system which drives economic prosperity and tackles social inequality. DfE has developed three major policy objectives: addressing skills imbalances, creating a culture of lifelong learning and enhancing digital education and inclusion across society.
To underpin the Strategy, the DfE has developed a significant body of research considering international best practice in small advanced economies, which has been bolstered by substantial stakeholder engagement across the region.
One key element will be at a regional level, with DfE exploring a range of options to identify skills issues and local solutions, focusing on how to support employers to upskill and reskill their staff to meet the needs of the future economy. In addition, the Department for Communities, through its EmployabilityNI programme, is developing partnerships across local government to bring together key stakeholders at a council level to address employability and skills issues, and the Department for the Economy will play a key role in this.
We must ensure economic success is balanced, by providing everyone with the education and training opportunities that enable them to participate in a rapidly changing labour market.
DfE has moved quickly in its skills-response to the pandemic and developed additional training initiatives to complement the existing programmes to upskill individuals in areas that meet the skills needs of business. This includes the funding of 150 part- time places for an online PgCert in Software Development, delivered by Queen’s University Belfast. This was open to those that had been furloughed. 70 participants have already completed the PgCert and progressed onto the full MsC in Software Development and the remaining participants completed the course in December 2020.
Since March there have been a number of Assured Skills Academies completed in areas including data analytics, cyber security, business consultancy and financial services, resulting in the upskilling of 203 participants with 192 of those gaining employment. There are many more academies underway or currently being developed for delivery this year which will create more upskilling opportunities and a guaranteed job interview for those that successfully complete the training.
The Skills Focus programme offers upskilling opportunities for current staff in SME’s (fewer than 250 employees). The programme is now fully funded by the Department with the 25% employer contribution having been removed until 31 March 2021 to help support companies throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme has delivered training to approximately 1,000 employees, including those that are furloughed, between April and September 2020.
The InnovateUs programme offers free training to small businesses, including social enterprises, with fewer than 50 employees, delivering up to 60 hours of bespoke training and skills development support per project. The programme is delivered across Northern Ireland by the FE colleges with all projects falling within the priority and emerging sectors identified in the draft Industrial Strategy, including Digital and Creative industries. During the period from 1 April to 30 September 2020 InnovateUs delivered 164 projects.
Regarding a design and delivery of a recovery UBI for Northern Ireland, I am not aware of any other country that currently has a UBI in place, although there have been a number of small-scale pilots and larger-scale experiments. There are no plans to introduce such a scheme here. Due to the fast-paced and challenging circumstances that we are all operating in at present, there has been a need to be responsive to a moving and ever-changing situation. This has meant focusing on proven social security measures to ensure help is targeted at those most in need. Rather than considering measures that will take time to introduce and develop, we have focussed on measures that will ensure the social security system is more flexible and help and support is directed quickly to those who need it most.
I hope this is helpful.
Yours sincerely
Colum Boyle Deputy Secretary Work and Health Group Annex A
Change made Detail Universal Credit and Working Tax Universal Credit standard allowance Credit and Working Tax Credit basic element increased by £20 per week/£1,040 per year during 20/21 tax year. To be kept under review Local Housing Allowance rates Reset to the 30th percentile market rent in each broad market rental area in April 2020. In 2021/22 all Local Housing Allowance rates will be maintained at their increased level Self-employed Suspension of the Minimum Income Floor until end of April 2021 Statutory Sick Pay Payable from the first day of illness if cannot work due to coronavirus. Extended to cover those self-isolating and to those who are shielding. To be kept under review Employment and Support Allowance Removal of the waiting days extended to May 2021 Employment and Support Allowance Anyone affected by coronavirus can be and Universal Credit treated as having limited capability for work, until May 2021 Jobseeker’s Allowance Continued entitlement if a claimant, or a child they are caring for, has covid-19 or is self-isolating because of symptoms, until May 2021 Carer’s Allowance Continued entitlement during breaks in caring if carer or disabled person has covid-19 or is self-isolating because of symptoms, until May 2021 Universal Credit, State Pension Credit, Extending entitlement to prisoners on Income Support, income based temporary release to May 2021. Jobseeker’s Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit Maternity Allowance Furloughed workers given entitlement to Maternity Allowance and other statutory family-related benefits until end of March 2021 Social Fund Funeral Payment The amount available under the social fund funeral expenses payment scheme has been increased from £700 to £1000. Pension Credit Changes to allow a claim to be made electronically (online) for State Pension Credit in addition to the existing methods of claiming by post and by telephone.
Office of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner [email protected] By email:
3 February 2021
Local Government Boundaries Review in Northern Ireland
Dear Sir/Madam,
Today I am writing to inform you that in my role as Local Government Boundaries Commissioner I have taken the first statutory step in my review of the 11 district council areas in Northern Ireland. The statutory basis for my appointment, the procedure that applies to the Review and my recommendations is the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.
The independence of this review is paramount and its scope is to review the boundaries and names of the 11 local government districts, which are specified in the Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, and number, boundaries and names of the wards into which each district is divided.
The Review is facilitated by a tripartite agreement between my office, the Electoral Office NI, and Ordnance Survey NI, a division of Land & Property Services in the Department of Finance. By June 2021 I plan to publish provisional recommendations and hold a public consultation.
I now invite proposals from councils, political parties, associations, organisations and individual members of the public in relation to the boundary and name of the 11 districts: and the number, boundaries and names of the wards within the 11 districts.
If you would like to submit a proposal or discuss any aspect of this please contact [email protected]
More information about the Review will be accessed through the website available at: www.lgbc-ni.org.uk
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Havlin
Local Government Boundaries Commissioner cc Jenny McGuigan, LGBC Office.
Sinead Duggan
From: DfE CRBSS Enquiries
Dear Ms Duggan
Thank you for your 21 January 2021 email to the Minister for the Economy regarding payments made under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS), which has been passed to me for reply.
I recognise that this is an extremely difficult and challenging time for businesses and individuals.
The CRBSS re-opened on 7 January 2021. For any new applications which are successful, grant payments will be backdated for the period that the restrictions applied to each business. Additional support payments will automatically be issued for the current restriction period as agreed by the Executive to successful applicants. I would wish to assure you that payments are being issued to eligible businesses as quickly as possible.
Information about the operation of CRBSS, including applications received, their current application stage, alongside data by District Council and Parliamentary Constituency area is updated weekly and available on the NI Business Info website https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business
Yours sincerely Janet
Strategic Policy Team Department for the Economy Web: www.economy-ni.gov.uk
From: Sinead Duggan [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 21 January 2021 16:20 To: DfE Private Office
Good Afternoon,
Please find enclosed correspondence for the attention of Minister Diane Dodds MLA,
Kind Regards,
Sinéad Duggan Civic Support and Committee and Member Services Officer Tel. 028 7034 7204 / 07523 942 132 [email protected]
To help protect you r priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Causeway Coastand GlensBorough Council
www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk 1 From: eCorrespondence (DCYA) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 05 February 2021 15:07 To: Sinead Duggan Subject: CEDIY-MOGO-01201-2021
5th February 2021
Mr. David Jackson
Dear Mr. Jackson,
On behalf of Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, I wish to acknowledge receipt and thank you for your email concerning Mother and Baby Homes. The contents have been noted.
Yours sincerely
Lisa Hughes
Private Secretary to Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD
Causeway Coast and Glens Cara Hunter MLA Council 1 Bellhouse Lane Cloonavin Coleraine 66 Portstewart Road Co. Derry Coleraine BT52 1ED County Derry
BT52 1EY 12/02/2021
Dear Causeway Coast and Glens Council,
RE: Commemorating the life of LGBTQ+ activist Mark Ashton.
I write to you to ask that Mark Ashton’s life and activism for the LGBTQ+ community be commemorated with a memorial in the town of where he grew up, Portrush.
Mark was a stalwart in the LGBTQ+ community in the early days of activism, with his work from his group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. Mark defended the LGBTQ+ community from harassment and he was a proud socialist who stood up for the rights of the working class, respected and loved by many. His life was tragically cut short after fighting a battle with pneumonia shortly after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Mark’s legacy has been commemorated in London and abroad in Paris, however, he has not been commemorated here in the town where he grew up. His work and actions have had proud effects on the community LGBTQ+ community across the globe, and it is about time that his legacy lives on to inspire LGBTQ+ young people living in Northern Ireland.
The SDLP fully supports the petition to have a memorial for Mark in Portrush.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
CARA HUNTER MLA
From the Minister of Finance
Sinead Duggan Private Office 2nd Floor Clare House Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council 303 Airport Road West Civic Headquarters BELFAST BT3 9ED Cloonavin Tel: 028 9081 6216 66 Portstewart Road Email: [email protected] Coleraine Our reference: CORR-0204-2021 BT52 1EY [email protected] Date: 9 February 2021
Dear Sinead
HOUSING WAIT LISTS, WELFARE SYSTEM AND COVID-19 BUSINESS GRANT FUNDING
Thank you for your three letters all dated 21 January on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
In relation to your comment on COVID-19 business grant funding, the Executive has so far allocated £2.7 billion for the COVID-19 response through a variety of measures and support schemes. I fully understand the frustration of businesses with the speed at which payments are being made under some of these schemes. Some of which are taking longer than I would hope. However, please be assured that officials, including those in my own Department, are working as fast as they can to process payments. It is important to understand that these schemes would usually be designed and implemented over many months, but are instead being turned around in days as we try to support businesses through the pandemic.
In addition, I acknowledge and thank you for advising me of the motions passed by the Council in relation to the need for investment in housing, waste water infrastructure, and the welfare system. I note you have also written to my Executive colleagues who have policy responsibly for these important matters, and who can respond directly to you on those. My Department will of course take account of the Council’s views as part of the ongoing budget consultation.
Is mise le meas
CONOR MURPHY MLA MINISTER OF FINANCE