Gordon Lyons
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Implementing other recommendations will require further legislation that, I trust, will come in the next mandate, but I can confirm that 60 of the recommendations have already been separately addressed by either the Department or the commission. I hope that that answers his questions.”
“Yes, I do and am happy to share those. The issue has been raised in the Chamber and through Assembly questions. My position is that we want to make it simple and straightforward for people.”
“They also introduce greater flexibility in financial reporting, allowing requirements to be tailored more appropriately, reducing burdens on smaller organisations and ensuring that the system can adapt over time through secondary legislation.”
“If they want to constitute as a Northern Ireland-only charity, they are able to do that, if they believe that that will bring certain benefits.”
“That is similar to what we are trying to do with trustees. Even though you leave your position as a trustee or your position as someone who holds an office in a charity or who has employment in the office, the commissioner will still be able to make a determination that says, "Even though you have left, we are still making this order to t…”
“I do not believe that it was. That was maybe picked up wrong. We are happy to look at and explore that, but that is the information that I have on it. Again, we will have the Committee Stage of the legislation, so we can look into that then.”
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“I will always want to stand up for my constituents, but I assure you that this is available on the same basis for everybody. The Member is barking up the wrong tree.”
“I will confirm that for the Member, but the information that I have is that applications are open to everyone and everyone can apply on the same basis. It is up to councils to decide how they allocate their regeneration funding. <BR /> <BR />Let me cut to the chase: you think that something untoward has gone on and that I am prioritising my constituency.”
“It is up to individual councils to identify their priorities for regeneration funding. My Department applies a consistent approach that is based on the applications and priorities, and it is great to see towns taking the initiative to apply for funding to deliver projects that enhance their town centre. Funding for festive investments has also been provided to four other council areas in the current year and in recent years: Ards and North Down; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon; and Newry, Mourne and Down.”
“We will stand out on the international stage next year at the special event that the US is organising. We also have the memorandum of understanding, which contains key benefits for Northern Ireland. We are also raising the cultural connections, which I would have thought the Chairman of the Communities Committee would welcome. We will also host our own event in the US next year that will give us the opportunity to tell people about Northern Ireland. Through the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, we are getting some significant players in the room with us, and that should be welcomed by all.”
“I heard some of the comments from the Chair of the Communities Committee at the Public Accounts Committee last week. He was very negative about what we are trying to do on our connections with the United States. I do not know whether that is because of his distaste for Ulster-Scots culture or because Northern Ireland will have special status in next year's celebrations. The celebrations here are important, however, because of the benefits that they can bring to Northern Ireland, including tourism, investment and greater understanding in the United States of who we are. My goal is clear: to promote Northern Ireland, who we are, what we have done in the past and what positively lies ahead for us in the future.”
“The difficulty is that there is a huge cost involved in our doing that on our own. I hope that the Government do the right thing and reverse the policy. That has been the united position of the Assembly, but, as we finalise the anti-poverty strategy, we will look at all options in order to ensure that we provide help where it is needed most.”
“The Member should not be surprised to hear that the UK Government have not provided us with information on their intentions. I am not sure how much use any information would be anyway, because it would probably change within a few hours.”
“He did not take into consideration all the relevant factors. The judge said that the decision was "irretrievably flawed". There is more blame to go on Mark Durkan than on anybody else in the House. It was Mark Durkan who unlawfully approved the original planning application. That is why we are in the situation that we are in today. I would rather that all those projects had been completed in 2011. If they had, we would not face the cost that we face now. If the Member wants to blame someone, maybe he should look in the mirror.”
“My goodness, the Member is brave in asking the question that he has just asked. He is wondering why we are not able to host any games here. We know that Windsor Park does not have the required capacity. He has mentioned Casement Park in the past. We all know that to have built Casement Park in time for the Euros required cash and lots of it. My skills and abilities do not extend to magicking £300 million-plus out of nowhere. <BR /> <BR />Yes, I am disappointed that we did not get matches, but maybe the Member would, for once, like to consider the role that he played in all of that. If he really wants, we can go back to the original planning application in 2014. Why did the original planning application fall at judicial review in 2014? It was because of the Member: a judge ruled that he acted unlawfully in granting planning permission.”
“<BR /> <BR />What is more important will be the legacy that comes from the tournament as a whole. I am delighted that the Irish Football Association (IFA) has already signalled its intention to put a significant amount of money into that. I look forward to Executive colleagues also providing support so that we can build a sporting legacy from the tournament.”
“First and foremost, I am disappointed that we will not host any matches in Belfast. I would have very much appreciated the opportunity for that to happen, but we know why it will not. In the absence of hosting matches, it is incumbent on all of us to look at the ways that we might still benefit from the Euros being hosted by the UK and Ireland. That is why I am glad of that first step of ensuring that the draw will take place here. We will have representatives of 54 nations and many journalists coming for the draw. Obviously, that is no substitute for holding matches here, but we should be in the mindset of doing everything that we can to promote Northern Ireland and ensure that we play whatever role we can. That is the first of what, I hope, will be more announcements.”
“We have been engaging with the Department of Health at official level on our correspondence with the UK Government and to make sure that other Departments are aware of their responsibilities. As the Member will be aware, the purpose of the levy is to tackle gambling harm, for which the Department of Health has a responsibility. Therefore, it has an important role to play in advising my officials on gambling harm. It should also be advising on the types of projects and services that a levy could support.”
“Clearly, there has been engagement with the relevant UK Departments on the issue. There has also been significant cooperation in Northern Ireland. In my correspondence with the UK Government, we have written jointly, because gambling is an issue that does not affect the Department for Communities alone. I have worked closely with the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education, and we have made a joint representation on the wider issue. I look forward to working with others, because it is important that we have this in place and use the funding that is there for the right purposes.”
“My officials are undertaking a scoping exercise on the feasibility and sustainability of a Northern Ireland industry levy that is anticipated to be completed by the end of the financial year. The outworkings of that exercise will be used to help inform decisions on a way forward.”
“Oh, it is coming. It has taken him only 11 months, but it is on its way. I look forward to seeing that research. I will be guided by the research on this one.”
“I go by the evidence. The evidence indicates that they do not work; in fact, all the evidence demonstrates that. For some, the solution to affordability is introducing regulation on rent controls, such as freezes or reductions. However, the independent research highlights the potential unintended consequences of such actions, including landlords exiting the private rental market, resulting in a greater shortage of properties in an already stretched market. I have previously discussed and debated the issue with Members in the House. I am glad to see Mr Carroll in his place: just over a year ago, I asked him to bring evidence on rent controls to me, if he had it, but, unfortunately, we have —.”
“All that will be kept under review. If we need to bring in additional measures and legislation is required, we will do that. I note what the Member said about banning no-fault evictions, but, of course, that is not watertight. There are always reasons why people can be evicted; in fact, in Scotland, there are 18 reasons and exemptions. In all those things, it is about getting the right balance. I am progressing measures to which the Assembly agreed in the previous mandate. I am always happy to keep some of those other issues under review, but we also need to be aware of the unintended consequences that might come from those.”
“The remaining actions that I will deliver in this mandate are introducing much longer notice to quit periods; amending landlord registration regulations to make the scheme a more meaningful tool in raising property standards; and exploring minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector.”
“My programme of private rented sector reform is focused on addressing the key issues of affordability, security and quality in a way that balances the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. The key actions that I have already delivered are improving safety for tenants by setting minimum standards for fire and electrical safety; transferring the landlord registration scheme to councils to help to increase landlords' knowledge of their duties and responsibilities; and restricting the frequency of rent increases to once in every 12 months with a three-month written notice.”
“<BR /> <BR />I want everyone to have confidence that they can apply for funding and that it will be there on a fair and equitable basis. The big challenge for the Arts Council is that it does not have enough funding, but I want to make sure that we get extra funding and that people feel that it is for everybody.”
“I am not sure whether the Member is aware of the feeling, but I have received many letters from constituents and had meetings with people who feel that the support has not been there for them. Many people outside of Belfast and Londonderry do not feel that there has been enough funding for the arts and for their organisations. There are some small groups and some groups that are doing great work in disadvantaged areas. Some great groups in the arts, particularly amateur dramatics groups, feel that they have not had support. They often feel that no one is interested in them. That is a common and recurrent theme: they feel that no one is interested in what they do. I am surprised that the Member has not received some of that feedback.”
“Absolutely. The Member will be aware that I have set that trajectory already. I have sent a letter of expectation to the Arts Council, outlining some of the issues that the Member has raised. I have also had the privilege of welcoming Nora Douds as the new chair of the Arts Council, along with new board members. I am absolutely delighted that she is in post. I have been reassured by the Arts Council's response, and I will continue to work with it to ensure that the arts are for everyone, regardless of class, religion, geography or background. The arts are not just for the few, the elite or the privileged.”
“I will just repeat my answer: through that programme, I will fill the void created by the absence of an Executive policy for the arts. That means that I will be bringing forward that policy.”
“In July 2024 I established the heritage, culture and creativity programme, through which I will fill the void created by the absence of an Executive policy for the arts and for the historic environment. I look forward to bringing that forward soon.”
“We certainly have not been in a holding pattern. We had a 14-week consultation period to give people the opportunity and the time to have their say. It has been less than two months since that consultation closed, and, in that period, we have been looking at the responses, analysing them and taking them forward. I am keen to share those responses with the public. The responses will inform Executive conversations as well. We will release that information in the normal way, and I look forward to that happening so that people can understand what the public have had to say. We will present all of that information to the Executive so that they can make their final decision on how we take the strategy forward and get it ready for publication.”
“I was able to bid for funding from the Department of Finance and get Executive agreement so that we could put that measure in place. That is something that we will always look at, depending on the circumstances that arise. From the Executive's point of view, however, we want to make sure that the anti-poverty strategy is fit for purpose, makes a real difference, has long-lasting impacts and, importantly, tackles the root causes of poverty.”
“The Executive have taken some moves already. We have not waited until full publication of the strategy to move forward. We have included — we have been criticised for it — some of the work that we are already doing. Good progress has been made on the implementation of some of those issues. The Department for Communities has been running the discretionary support fund for some time, and that is continuing, as are other actions. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we do not wait for the final publication of the strategy before we help and provide support in different ways. The Member will be aware that we are always willing to look at how we can help outside the timelines for the strategies as well. Take, for example, the action that was taken after the Labour Government took the callous decision to remove the winter fuel payment.”
“There is currently no set date for the publication of the Executive’s anti-poverty strategy. However, work remains ongoing at pace in the Department to drive forward that vital work. <BR /> <BR />The public consultation on the draft anti-poverty strategy ran from June to September, and input was received from a wide range of stakeholders. Officials are currently analysing all responses received throughout the process. That analysis will be shared with all Departments and Executive colleagues. The Executive will then give direction on any further development required on the strategy, including any changes deemed appropriate.”
“I am sure that the Member will understand that I cannot comment on that because of ongoing legal issues. However, it is always a good thing if we can learn from previous schemes and any issues or difficulties that arise, and there will certainly be a willingness by my Department to do that. The Member will be aware of the significant investment coming through for the north-west, particularly through the regeneration fund. There will be other opportunities for that fund to be used for regeneration purposes.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have the right approach with the crowdfunder element that is needed. It is bringing communities together and ensuring that they are part of that and that there is buy-in there. That is welcome, and I hope that it can continue.”
“It is certainly my intention for it to be in place again in the next financial year. The number of applications that we have received so far indicate the need that exists in sport in Northern Ireland. I want to see that continue. I hope that we can have the same budget or an increased budget again because it makes a difference. <BR /> <BR />I was delighted to have been invited to Larne Leisure Centre on Saturday to visit Larne Swimming Club, which was very pleased with the Olympic legacy fund being open. It was delighted that it now has a way through because a lot of clubs do not always have those funding opportunities. I thank the club for making me so welcome and for welcoming the fact that the fund is in place. I want to help more clubs like that to ensure that they can have the equipment that they need.”
“The issue has been addressed by Sport NI on its web page that advertises the fund. It is not a competitive grant, and I acknowledge that not all clubs or sports may have the same capacity to access the fund. I knew that it would be popular, and I am pleased to see a big uptake, so, to ensure a fair distribution of funding by sport or geographical area, Sport NI may apply a cap in the programme. Applications impacted by a cap, should it be implemented, will be deferred to future investment rounds, subject to eligibility criteria and funding being made available.”
“Sport NI has advised me that it has received 44 applications to date: 16 projects have been approved; three applications have been declined on grounds of project ineligibility; and 25 projects remain under review.”
“I have said that I will present the fuel poverty strategy by the end of the year, and that is still my intention. We know that, as we head into the winter, the issues become more pressing for people. I am well aware of the costs and difficulties that many people face. I will have the strategy before the Executive by the end of the year, but let us not forget that a strategy by itself does not heat people's homes. That is why, as part of the strategy, I will announce interventions that will help us as we seek to eradicate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.”
“I am aware of the impact that that has had, and the Member will be aware of the genesis of it and of how the funding for us to continue it is no longer in place. We will assess the implications of that and, as part of our wider anti-poverty work, take whatever steps we need to in order to make sure that we make the best use of the resources that we have for maximum impact.”
“That funding supported 91 home improvement grants and helped 155 homes through the affordable warmth scheme. In this financial year, the neighbourhood renewal programme has invested almost half a million pounds in 13 projects. I have also provided half a million pounds to the independent advice and debt sector and social supermarkets. All that plays a critical role in addressing poverty.”
“The issues that people in North Down face with poverty are similar to those that people throughout Northern Ireland face. I am working to address those issues through the development of the anti-poverty strategy and interventions such as the extension of welfare mitigations; the adoption of the new housing supply strategy; the provision of inclusive pathways to work for everyone in Northern Ireland; work on fuel poverty; and the development of a new People and Place strategic framework. <BR /> <BR />In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, my Make the Call outreach team supported over 1,200 people to access just under £7 million in additional benefits last year. Between 1 February 2024 and 30 June this year, the Housing Executive funded private-sector grants, including affordable warmth, totalling over £3 million.”
“It has an impact, of course. The Housing Executive manages the day-to-day operation of the social housing development programme and regularly engages with Northern Ireland Water. It has provided Northern Ireland Water with a list of social housing developments that will potentially require a connection to the public waste water system in the next few years. NI Water reviews each development site for a potential connection. An assessment of waste water treatment and network capacity will have to be made, and that will be put into the risk assessment for the programme. That is why it is so important that we get this right.”
“I am playing my role by bringing forward proposals to save money, meaning that we can redirect funding that we would otherwise spend on hotels and bed and breakfasts to help people to stay out of homelessness. It is also up to other Ministers to make sure that they allocate funding to where it needs to go.”
“My party has long made the case for fair-funding models for Northern Ireland, but we have Ministers in post for a reason. Although we want to see more funding, and believe that we are entitled to it, we have to take decisions ourselves. We have to decide on our priorities. It is for each Minister to decide how they prioritise their budget and take their own decisions, even if they are unpopular or difficult. <BR /> <BR />I hope that housing is a priority for the Infrastructure Minister and for Sinn Féin and that it is backed up with sufficient funding for the social housing development programme and investment in waste water infrastructure. We need to get real. This is a serious issue, and we need to make sure that we do something about it.”
“Yes. I have met, and recently wrote to, the Infrastructure Minister to press for the need to identify substantive actions that will begin to resolve the issue. We are already seeing better collaboration between the Departments as a result of the housing supply strategy and the common thread of wanting to build more homes that runs through it. Ultimately, we need to make sure that that continues because it is having an impact, and we need to do something about it.”
“First, to clarify, I am the Minister for Communities; I am not the Minister for the Economy any longer. The Member asked the same question twice. I do not hold that data, but, as I have said, the problem has had a significant impact. We need to make sure that we have sufficient infrastructure in place. We need to look at the areas in which sufficient infrastructure exists to make the best use of the public land that is available. I have a paper that, I hope, will get Executive agreement, which will mean that we can build more homes where there is capacity and make sure that we put in place the infrastructure where it is needed.”
“My Department does not hold data on the developments that are impacted on by waste water infrastructure limitations. However, it is clear from discussions with the sector that waste water capacity constraint is having a significant impact on housebuilding.”
“First, I am a Minister who takes antisocial behaviour seriously. I understand that it is a curse for many good and decent people who just want to live their lives but are plagued by others who, quite frankly, make their lives a misery. I am putting stronger powers in place so that we can deal with antisocial behaviour and hold those people to account. I want to make sure that that happens, which is why we are taking those actions.”
“That is why I am trying to get Executive agreement on a proposal to get easier access to public-sector land; I have brought forward the intermediate rent scheme, which will provide some relief for those who need it; and I have done more than any other Minister to put the revitalisation of the Housing Executive on the agenda. Those are all the new actions that I am taking, but, of course, I will continue to ask for more funding to make sure that we can build more social homes. However, ultimately, we are spending huge sums of money on temporary accommodation every year. Therefore, I have taken this step to ensure that we use Housing Executive reserves, which will save over £75 million over the next seven years.”
“First, the Member misunderstands exactly what I am trying to do with the housing association grant. I am not cutting the funding for social housing. First and foremost, that needs to be made clear. I am cutting the amount of money that is available per unit so that the slack can be taken up by housing associations through the private finance that they are able to access but we are not. It makes sense to do that and make sure that the money that we have goes further, because I am not happy with the status quo. The status quo is not appropriate, which is why I have been trying to do new and innovative things since I came into office. <BR /> <BR />The Member is right: we do not have the number of social homes that we need. We do not have homes across all tenures, and I am trying to do something about that.”
“The Housing Executive has said that the principal considerations for the geographical distribution of the units will include the geographical areas where exposure to high-cost temporary accommodation is most prevalent; the nature of the temporary accommodation client groups, such as single persons, couples or families; and the availability of suitable properties in areas that are available to purchase and that align with the criteria. Value for money will also be taken into account.”
“We will want to make sure that we buy properties that are fit for purpose. I share the Member's concern, however, about the extensive number of derelict properties in Northern Ireland. I see them in my constituency, and I am sure that the Member sees them in hers. I hope that her party colleague's Dilapidation Bill will help in some way. We are going through a housing crisis, so it is difficult to see the many derelict homes that there are. Some of them will obviously require work, but we need to weigh up the costs of such work, because it is simply not right that we are spending so much money on hotels and bed and breakfasts when other housing opportunities are available. Of course, we are doing everything that we can to look at all options.”
“It is rare that Ministers bring forward proposals that will save money in the long run, but that is exactly what we are doing through the scheme. It will save £75 million over the next seven years. It is important that we do not lose sight of that, because in these times of financial constraint, we need to demonstrate ways in which we can protect taxpayers' money and look for further ways in which to do that. That is exactly what I am doing through the work on fraud and error legislation, which is another way in which we can save tens of millions of pounds every year. I look forward to receiving Executive support for taking that work forward.”
“We are taking a holistic approach. First and foremost, I am trying to deal with the cost of temporary accommodation. By allowing reserves to be used in that way, we will save significant sums of money that would otherwise be spent on hotels and B&Bs. The nature of the temporary accommodation client groups, such as single persons, will be taken into consideration.”