Mervyn Storey
North Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. It will be noted that there are those who cry much about the environment and purport to be the champions of the environment who did not have the courtesy to come to the House and be present when the statement was being made.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Clearly, there are some in the House who want to continue with the same old, same old and get the same outcomes at a huge cost to the public purse and to farms in Northern Ireland. The Minister is absolutely right: it is a scourge.”
“I am sure that the Minister will be aware, having listened to the Member who spoke before me, that the farmers of North Antrim will make an informed choice about who best supported farmers during this mandate of the Assembly.”
“A pilot scheme has been operating with the Education Authority, the PSNI and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust across 60 schools in the south Down area since September 2021 and was extended to a further 77 schools in the Newry and south Armagh areas at the start of February 2022.”
“As Chair of the Justice Committee, I am pleased to welcome the motion. It implements the provisions taken forward by the Committee in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 to establish an Operation Encompass model in Northern Ireland, which is, as the Minister has outlined, a police and early intervention pa…”
“We had our final meeting of that Committee this morning, and I want to place on the public record our appreciation and thanks to our Committee staff of for all the work that they have done.”
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“I pay tribute to the Fire and Rescue Service, the police and all involved in ensuring that that incident did not result in a worse situation than we have. I have also had discussions this morning with the Housing Executive because a number of elderly people are involved in that incident, and I want to make sure that everything is done to meet the needs of the people who have been affected. <BR /> <BR />I return to the issue in front of us. The Committee was concerned at the absence of provisions on information-sharing with private rented sector landlords and that the provision on antisocial behaviour was not compulsory and there was no legal indemnity for those disclosing information. The Committee intends to give those issues further consideration during Committee Stage.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. If I do not respond to all Members, they will know the reason why. <BR /> <BR />First, I thank the Members who made a constructive contribution to the debate for the time that they took. In particular, I thank the Chair of the Committee and its members. I appreciate the difficulties and the issues that we have had to deal with. I welcome the Committee's recognition of the benefits that the Bill could have by bringing empty homes back into use and tackling antisocial behaviour. <BR /> <BR />It is regrettable that, on the day that we bring the Bill back to the House, there was another incident this morning, on Bracken Avenue in Newcastle. I have already had conversations this morning with the Housing Executive. I am glad that there have been no injuries, as the situation could have been a lot worse.”
“<BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I have outlined the three provisions of the Bill. I believe that there is a need for the proposals and am confident that they will be well received by the relevant stakeholders in the public and voluntary sectors. On that basis, I hope that all parties can give their full support to the Bill. I commend the Bill to the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />The absence of a power to register charges in respect of such loans means that the Housing Executive would either have to make unsecured lending or secure the lending by means of legal mortgage charge. The cost of the latter is substantially more than the costs associated with preparing and registering a statutory charge. The Bill would therefore make provision for the registration of a statutory charge in respect of grants by way of loan made under article 9(1)(a) of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. That would provide a means of security against any such lending and would ensure that, in the event that the owner defaulted on the loan or sold or transferred the property, the Housing Executive would be made aware of the transaction and be able to take any necessary action to recover the debt.”
“While I recognise that private landlords have a legitimate interest in any information that reflects on the good character of individuals who are seeking accommodation in the private rented sector, it appears that the human rights and data protection considerations would effectively preclude extending the disclosure provisions to private landlords within the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The third clause in the Bill makes provision for registration as statutory charge of certain loans. The Department and the Housing Executive are currently exploring the use of loan assistance for private-sector housing repairs and improvements. While the Housing Executive has power to register statutory charge in respect of most forms of grant assistance, there is no power to register charges in respect of grant by way of loans.”
“While I have decided not to proceed with the two specific proposals outlined in the consultation document, a number of organisations that responded to the consultation highlighted the importance of information sharing in tackling antisocial behaviour. <BR /> <BR />The Bill would therefore ensure that, where the Housing Executive or a registered housing association needs information in order to take action against an individual who has been involved in antisocial behaviour, any person who holds such information would be able to disclose it without breaching data protection legislation. <BR /> <BR />The Social Development Committee has highlighted the fact that the Bill does not make provision for information sharing with private landlords.”
“At the request of a former Minister of Finance and Personnel, the Bill will also require my Department and the Housing Executive to provide Land and Property Services with relevant information, for example, where any properties listed as vacant appear to be occupied or have different owner details. <BR /> <BR />The second clause in the Bill makes provision for disclosure of information relating to antisocial behaviour. In December 2013, my predecessor published proposals for new housing legislation designed to tackle antisocial behaviour in the social rented sector. The Department received more than 30 responses.”
“I am determined to maximise all opportunities to meet housing need, reduce blight and tackle antisocial behaviour, and I see the rejuvenation of empty homes as an important means of achieving that. To enable the Housing Executive to identify owners of empty homes with a view to bringing those properties back into use, the Bill will provide for relevant information held by the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Land and Property Services (LPS) for the purpose of rates collection to be shared with my Department and the Housing Executive. That proposal was included in my Department’s housing strategy, which was subject to public consultation in 2012.”
“In recognition of the limited time available to pass the legislation within the current mandate, I have decided not to proceed with the proposals relating to short tenancies, eligibility for homelessness assistance and injunctions against antisocial behaviour. I took that decision so that a more concise Bill could be drafted and achieve Assembly passage within the remaining time available to the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is a short but potentially very effective and enabling piece of legislation. The provisions in the Bill are necessary to support the strategies and initiatives for dealing with empty homes, antisocial behaviour and disrepair in the private housing sector. <BR /> <BR />The first clause in the Bill makes provision for information sharing relating to empty homes.”
“In December 2013, my predecessor, Nelson McCausland, published proposals for new housing legislation to make new provision for dealing with antisocial behaviour.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He is very exercised about listening to the Churches. Does he pick and choose when he listens to the Church? I am very sure that he received correspondence from the Roman Catholic Church yesterday, in relation to a vote that took place in this House, and his party completely and absolutely ignored it. Do not introduce red herrings on this issue when your Minister has failed to convince the Roman Catholic system that it is time to move away from academic selection. Let us be honest; let us have a discussion; and let us stop the red herrings because it will not work.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have also given an assurance that I will take the local council into account. Indeed, it is my intention to meet the council because, as I said about the public realm works that we have undertaken in other jurisdictions and council areas, it is vital that we have buy-in from councils. I had preliminary discussions with the council this week. I look forward to developing one of the most prestigious sites in our constituency — I speak not only as Minister but, along with my colleague, as a representative of the North Antrim constituency — which has a huge history that we want to protect in an area that I have no doubt will make an invaluable contribution to the livelihood and well-being of our constituents.”
“I thank the Member for his topical question. Following the proposal that I made to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for the development of the former military barracks for mixed public-sector use, it was agreed that the site should be acquired by my Department. A business case for the purchase of the site and its development, using a housing-led regeneration scheme, was approved. The site was subsequently bought by the Department for Social Development on 30 September, just a few days ago. My Department has appointed consultants to prepare a development plan setting out the potential areas on the site that could be used by public stakeholders. The development plan is expected to be completed by the end of the month if not sooner, and a programme of work to prepare the site for development is now being considered.”
“In the light of the incident that the Member referred to, I will refer the issue to the Housing Executive, the PSNI and the housing association so that we can revisit the protocols. I will write to the Member.”
“I thank the Member for his question. In the light of the issue and the particular incident that the Member raises, I will give him an assurance. Again, it goes back to the point I made earlier. It is relatively easy to read an answer to a specific question in this House, but sometimes it does not get to the bottom of the specifics.”
“The purpose of the protocol is to facilitate the sharing of data, where appropriate, between the Housing Executive and the PSNI in order to prevent crime. The protocol introduces and formalises service level delivery standards between the executive and the police, and the sharing of such information allows the agencies to work collaboratively and to consider the appropriate remedies to address antisocial behaviour.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, there is always a concern when particular incidents take place. Since November 2004, an information-sharing protocol with the PSNI has been in place, and it is being used successfully across a range of housing services. It includes the gathering of information and the development of cases where it is the intention of the executive to take legal action, the gathering of information and the development of cases where it is the intention of the executive to take legal action to secure injunctions or antisocial behaviour orders against an individual, and when considering an applicant's eligibility and entitlement to homelessness assistance or housing accommodation.”
“Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I appreciate your warning. However, given the seriousness of the issue, it was important that I place it on record in the House, because this is the first opportunity when I have been able to do so during Question Time. Recently, in the local press, I have seen criticisms of the process from some local councils. I can give them an assurance, as I can the House, that we will continue to process the issue as speedily as we can. The Member asked about the operational planning group. It has a wide membership, including all public agencies that may be required to provide services to refugees; local government; and organisations in the voluntary sector who have expertise in this field. If you bring those groups together, it gives us the core of the operational planning group. That is where the focus is currently.”
“The Department, along with the Housing Executive, has started work to identify locations that may be considered to be suitable when taking into account the availability of suitable housing and the capacity in key public services, such as education and health. Given the pressures on the social housing waiting lists, it is expected that the housing solution will mainly make use of the private rented sector.”
“The two main areas where the work of my Department will be affected by the arrival of Syrian refugees in Northern Ireland are the processing of benefits by the Social Security Agency and the provision of housing for those who come. Refugees who come to Northern Ireland under the Syrian vulnerable persons relocation scheme will be entitled to welfare benefits on the same basis as UK citizens. The Social Security Agency is committed to providing whatever support it can for those being resettled here and is well advanced in the planning to ensure that those cases proceed as smoothly as possible. <BR /> <BR />My Department has also engaged with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to make arrangements for the processing of tax credits and child benefit, alongside the benefits administered by the Social Security Agency.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Regrettably, this issue is obviously very topical. We would prefer not to be in the situation that we are in. I will preface what I say by trying to bring the House and our community in Northern Ireland to a place of reality. We are dealing here with real people, real families and real issues. Yes, we can raise a myriad of particular issues, but I think that we need to preface what we say with the fact that we are dealing with real people here. <BR /> <BR />My Department is leading the operational planning group that is putting in place the arrangements to manage the arrival of Syrian refugees into Northern Ireland.”
“In this age of new councils, you have to make sure that your terminology is correct.”
“It seems that all politics is local, even when it comes to constituencies, when it gets very parochial. I assure the Member that the Bangor and Newtownards schemes are on target to complete in the summer of 2016. <BR /> <BR />I will say something that can be easily provided in a response to a question for written answer: I ask you to look at the amount of money that was contributed by the local council. At somewhere in the region of almost £11 million, it is the largest contribution of any of our local councils. That is not only a commitment by central government but a commitment and focus of attention by local government. When you put those two together, you get a good outcome. I think that other councils should look at what has been achieved — I had better get it right — by Ards and North Down Borough Council.”
“I have witnessed at first hand the positive impact that such initiatives have had in restoring life to town centres and city centres. Works in each of the town centres will include the installation of new footpaths in natural stone paving, new street lighting and furniture, landscaping and associated works. The Holywood scheme was recently completed, and those in Comber and Donaghadee are due to complete within the next few weeks. I know that that will please my colleague from the constituency as well.”
“I thank the Member for his question in relation to north Down. I am sure that he will be delighted to know that, over the past five years, there has been investment of almost £18·3 million in a number of major capital regeneration schemes in the north Down area, including public realm enhancement in Bangor, Holywood, Comber, Donaghadee and Newtownards. There have also been almost £21 million-worth of schemes, in which Ards and North Down Borough Council has invested £10 million, which represents the largest commitment by any council to the public realm investment and improvement scheme. <BR /> <BR />The schemes will upgrade the commercial core of town centres to encourage greater public use and stimulate investment.”
“I have given the undertaking that the review was not about trying to fundamentally change the delivery of Supporting People; it was to enhance its delivery and make it more beneficial to the people that it is there to support.”
“When I came into ministerial office, I gave a public commitment, not only in word but in deed, that the Supporting People budget would be protected. Although it was a huge challenge to deliver on that, we did so. We have now had a review of Supporting People. I am continuing to look at that document to see how we have covered all the areas, and if there are lessons to be learned, which undoubtedly and regrettably there are, we will see how we can assure public representatives and communities that, when we talk about Supporting People, that is really what we do. I know the real value of Supporting People; I have seen it played out in practice to many families. However, there may be, as there always are in these situations, elements of it that could be delivered better. That was why we initiated the review.”
“The Member is right to identify that a key element of the way in which we address these issues — it is one element — is the review that we have carried out into supporting people.”
“<BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, the issue in Dingwell flats is not uncommon. We have identified a particular issue, which is of concern to me as the Minister responsible for housing, and it is the placing of people in locations without any of the appropriate and necessary supports. We then see the consequences of what happens. I have heard particularly harrowing stories from the Member and from others about what it can be like for the neighbouring area, which is a settled community, and the difficulty that that creates. <BR /> <BR />I have had a brief discussion with the chief executive of the Housing Executive about the issue. I plan to have a further meeting with the Housing Executive, particularly in relation to that location.”
“I thank the Member for her question. First, I pass on my condolences to the family of Marcell Seeley following his tragic death and murder in that place. It was extremely sad, and we know that someone has been arrested in relation to that issue. <BR /> <BR />I am also aware of residents' concerns, including those expressed by the Member, who raised the issue with me, about the antisocial behaviour in the Dingwell flats. I have been assured by the Housing Executive of its continued commitment to dealing robustly with the issues in the estate. I also recently met Minister O'Dowd and the Deputy Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council, Catherine Seeley, to discuss these matters. I gave an undertaking, as I will give to the Member, to discuss these issues with the Housing Executive to see what more can be done.”
“I do not have that information with me. I assure the Member that I will write to him to give it to him. I will also copy it to his colleague from Upper Bann who is absent.”
“It always amazes me how Members can be so inventive and move from one constituency to another, but there you are. The Housing Executive has identified a total projected housing need for 228 units in Upper Bann over the period 2014 to 2019.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is a question that I have repeatedly asked through this process and in others. If they were not there delivering the service that they have delivered, the statutory system could not pick up that provision. I want to be of help. I welcome the fact that they have had some interesting outcomes with Habitat for Humanity. That is good progress, but that should not be so that some other organisation provides for the need and we abdicate our responsibility. I am happy to have a further meeting in relation to the issue.”
“Yes, I have already met representatives from Mount Zion, which was facilitated through my colleague Mr Moutray, but I have no difficulty in meeting a further delegation. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has not approved a proposed Supporting People scheme at Mount Zion, as you know. The Department has engaged with Shankill (Lurgan) Community Projects and Choice Housing Ireland Ltd to consider alternative housing options at Mount Zion. I am encouraged that, in recent correspondence that I have received from them, they have taken what can only be seen as a very proactive approach. Let me place on record our appreciation — I know that Members from the Upper Bann constituency will endorse this — of the work that is carried out by Mount Zion.”
“I trust that, in the days and weeks ahead, we can really focus on moving the debate on to a housing agenda that gives good quality homes to the people of Northern Ireland, as, I have no doubt, those that have already been developed in Upper Bann are and those that are currently on site will.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Before I give the detail, I would like to say that I have come to the House on many occasions, given the responsibility that I have for housing, and I would love to be in a position where we were doing more in Northern Ireland. One thing that has become an interest and a passion for me is that we could really do something with housing in Northern Ireland. Look at the specifics in relation to the area that the Member represents. There are 38 social housing units currently under construction in the Lurgan area, with 12 in the Portadown area. For those who will be the beneficiaries of those particular units, that is welcome, but there is a huge issue of demand and other areas where we would like to do more.”
“I thank the Member for his question. In order to help address identified housing need in Upper Bann, there are currently 50 new housing units under construction in the Lurgan and Portadown area, which will be completed during this financial year. A further 52 units are programmed to start on site this year, with an additional 80 units programmed to start in 2016-17. The remaining housing need is expected to be addressed either through the reletting of existing stock or the refurbishment of void properties in the area.”
“We know the concerns and I have listened to those that people have expressed about student accommodation and all of that, but we need an overarching process and some degree of control; not control for the sake of it to satisfy the bureaucracy of the Civil Service but that manages the process and gives us an outcome in the best possible interests of traders, residents and the people of that particular part of Belfast.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary comment, which I will take on board. It follows on from the comment made by another Member for North Belfast. The business community and, in particular, the local community will have to live with the consequences of all that is going on, because, let us remember that there is a considerable amount of activity already going on. <BR /> <BR />One point that I have made is that, using Northside and the various statutory instruments that are at our disposal, we will either have a controlled process or an uncontrolled situation in which, as I said in the substantive reply that I gave, we have a number of applications that are already approved.”
“It is not a warning with a threat, and I am not trying to undermine the process in any way, but we need to make decisions about where this is going. I am concerned that those who would be behind this project financially may feel that the processes are taking too long and are too protracted, and, as such, they may decide to place their investment in somewhere other than this great city.”
“The issue of Belfast City Council's involvement is an important one, and, for a number of reasons, I thank the Member for raising it. First, Belfast City Council officers have worked with my Department on the issue from the outset, beginning with the selection of Northside Regeneration Limited. Officials have suggested to council officers that a view of the process from elected members would be helpful at this stage, and that request is currently being considered. <BR /> <BR />I have said on a number of occasions that the scheme cannot be something that is imposed by my Department. It has to be done in consultation with the council, the local community and public representatives, because we all have a vested interest in ensuring that we get the best outcome. I have given that assurance repeatedly in the House, but I sound a warning.”
“Whether that is through DRD or through the work on the relocation of the university and other projects, we want to make sure that we maximise investment to the benefit of the people in the area and of organisations. <BR /> <BR />I cannot recall whether I have met traders specifically, but, if there are particular traders whom I have not met and who have issues, I am more than happy to meet them and listen to any concerns that they want to raise.”
“I trust that the Member knows, because I know that other Members are aware, that I endeavour to meet whomever wants to have a conversation when particular issues and concerns are raised with us. I have a concern, and it is that the focus needs to be clearly on the huge benefits of investment to that particular part of the city. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware that I have had discussions with Executive colleagues, because, based on the plans for that particular part of the city, it is estimated that there will be somewhere in the region of £1 billion of investment. I want, as do my Executive colleagues and Members for the area, to see a concerted, planned and coordinated approach, not just to what is happening with Northside but to what is being planned by other elements of the Executive.”
“I thank the Member for the question. The Department’s preferred developer for the proposed Northside regeneration scheme, Northside Regeneration Limited, submitted an outline planning application for a comprehensive mixed-use scheme, comprising 10 sites, at the end of June 2015. Applications for the approval of reserved matters for the individual sites are to be submitted in due course. A full planning application has already been submitted in relation to site 3. <BR /> <BR />Once the applications have been determined, and after consultation with Belfast City Council, the Department will need to be satisfied that there are sufficient financial resources behind the developer to ensure the completion of the scheme and that the regeneration benefits of the development merit the adoption of a statutory development scheme.”
“It enhances opportunities for communities to move forward and to have confidence that their area is a place where they want to live and bring up their children and where others can interact with them in a very positive way.”
“I think that the Member has almost answered his own question. If we can make engagement and involvement possible for a community that is disengaged and feels that it does not have the infrastructure, or the environment, even to build relationships in its own area, let alone the strength and capacity to go beyond it, that is to be welcomed. During my time in office, I have visited a variety of projects that are making an invaluable contribution, first and foremost to their local area. We need to instil in our communities a sense of pride; it is sad that in some areas of Northern Ireland a sense of pride in your local community is not the priority that it should be. However, initiatives such as Urban Villages — it does not have all the answers — bring progress in the form of tangible outcomes.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. It would be nice to have additional resource for many projects. There is always a sense when delivering, and even when planning for, projects such as this that there is not enough money in the fund. I am very conscious of the perception that this can become a very city-based initiative and that areas outside the confines of Belfast and Londonderry do not benefit. That is something that we need to take cognisance of. I, like other Ministers, am constrained by my budget. We have had that debate in the House on numerous occasions, but I do not think that any Minister is ever satisfied with the total amount that they receive. If additional funding was made available, serious consideration would be given to addressing the point that the Member raised.”
“Six projects are being taken forward in the Bogside and Fountain urban village area in 2015-16, including two public realm schemes, shop frontage improvements, a play park, the renovation of a community centre and traffic safety initiatives. In addition, a number of longer-term proposals are being developed. <BR /> <BR />I trust that that gives the Member and other Members some sense of the diversity of what can be included and delivered under the concept of urban villages. Those who have engaged in those areas have found it to be challenging but rewarding when they see progress and an outcome that enhances their community.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. As I said in answer to the original question, DSD staff are working in partnership with OFMDFM and the Strategic Investment Board on a number of schemes that are at various stages of design and procurement. In the Newtownards Road area, seven schemes are ongoing, including pocket parks, artworks, domestic frontages and other public realm and environmental improvements. In the Colin area, there is a plan for a large-scale play park, with an overall cost, as I said, of £1·2 million. In Ballysillan — I have no doubt that the Member will be interested in that location — Ardoyne, Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets urban village areas, engagement with the local communities is being taken forward by the SIB to identify potential project proposals.”
“My Department will continue to progress the work within its control to maximise the spend in this financial year.”