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 appreciate the Member raising the issue. I believe that a licence was issued to Northern Archaeological Consultancy (NAC) last year to archaeologically monitor test trenching at Milltown cemetery. Trenching took place to the east and north of the existing burial plots. Some 28 trenches were excavated, with nine previously unmarked burials located in three of the trenches. All burials were undisturbed and remain in situ. No burials were disturbed or excavated during the test trenching, and, with their locations now known, they will be avoided by modern burials as the cemetery expands into that area. <BR /> <BR />That is the briefing that I have received on that. If the Member has further concerns, I am happy to discuss those with her.”
“Of course, I am happy to engage with anyone whom the Member wants to bring to speak to me to help inform the development of the strategies.”
“My Department has responsibility for a number of the social inclusion strategies. I am currently considering evidence, advice and briefing on each of those. They are at different stages. When I have an update, I will, of course, bring that to the House.”
“Yes. In November 2023, my Department issued a neighbourhood renewal grant funding agreement to provide salary and programme costs to enable Belfast City Council to engage a community development worker to support the group for the period from November 2023 to March 2025. Funding of £12,007·09 was awarded for the period from December 2023 to March 2024. Funding for 2024-25 remains to be determined; however, £8,417 has been awarded for the first quarter of the year, in line with funding procedures for the neighbourhood renewal funded organisations, while the Department's budget allocation is clarified.”
“The Member frequently raises the Westland estate with me. I will have to visit sometime, because I have heard so much about it from him. I understand that the proposal to build a new community facility to serve the Westland estate is being managed by the Executive Office through its Urban Villages programme. My officials have engaged with community representatives in the area over a sustained period to support and develop community infrastructure in the area through the Westland Community Group, and that is being delivered through the capacity support project.”
“We are in the early stages of the redevelopment of the scheme. A lot of different factors and elements have to be considered, as well as the issue that the Member has raised about eligibility. I absolutely agree with him, however, that some of the most hard-pressed people in our communities are working families — the working poor — who so often miss out on other benefits that are available. Those people need our help and support, and making sure that we can help the most hard-pressed will drive decision-making.”
“A boiler replacement element could be part of the new scheme.”
“In September 2023, the closure of the boiler replacement scheme was announced owing to budgetary constraints. In the previous two years, the scheme had seen a significant decrease in enquiries and applications received. The decision was made to consolidate and protect the affordable warmth scheme, which was kept open. I understand that there are still people who need help to heat their home, and the affordable warmth scheme is open to applications and is set to run until March 2026. The scheme continues to assist low-income owner-occupiers and households in the private rented sector with an annual household income of less than £23,000. <BR /> <BR />My Department is in the early stages of developing a new fuel poverty intervention that will replace the current affordable warmth scheme when it ends.”
“My approach has been largely to leave it in the hands of councils. There will need to be changes to their standing orders. I have my views on how and when a member should be allowed to attend remotely, but, ultimately, that should be a decision for the councils.”
“I hope to be in a position to bring the regulations to the Assembly in the coming weeks.”
“Yes. I believe that we are adhering to our statutory responsibilities. We can, however, always do more than simply follow the law. We can go over and above what is required, and that is why I am always more than happy to work with my ministerial counterpart in DAERA to put in place schemes to support regeneration in rural settlements such as the village catalyst grant scheme and the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) grant scheme as well as work through the Housing Executive.”
“The cross-departmental nature of those regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated, which has confirmed the need for the Executive to take them forward.”
“While my Department is responsible for urban regeneration, I understand the issues faced by our rural communities. I come from a rural community, and I represent one. My predecessor, Paul Givan, when he was Communities Minister, indicated that he wanted to extend the Department's scheme to regenerate public spaces to small towns and villages. We hoped to have a phased approach, beginning with settlements of over 2,500 persons and working closely with councils and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. However, that was dependent on the resources being made available. No further funds were found to take that forward. Since then, particularly in response to COVID-19, my Department has led on the COVID-19 recovery, revitalisation and small settlements programmes in partnership with DFI and DAERA.”
“As I have already said, that depends on funding from the UK Government. On the Strule education campus, my understanding is that the Minister went to the Executive and received the funding that was needed to begin that project. We do not have the funding clarity that we need.”
“Quite simply, we are waiting for funding clarity from partners, including from the UK Government. Once we receive it, we will consider next steps.”
“I thank the Member. As I said, I am committed to reducing the number and duration of temporary promotion arrangements. My officials are engaged with NICS HR to progress recruitment competitions that will fill more posts substantively and to improve and speed up recruitment processes through the NICS people plan.”
“Clearly, we are not happy with that. Work is ongoing; in fact, there has been some movement on it in recent weeks. I raised the issue with the permanent secretary last week, as the Member will have done. The level of temporary promotions in DFC is in line with that in other departments across the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). My Department operates in line with the temporary promotions policy that sets out how such promotions are to be managed. The duration of temporary promotion relates to individuals, not to specific posts.”
“The joint consultation was launched in November and ran until March. A further extension was granted until 5 April. I will be briefed on the responses to the consultation and on next steps in due course. I will be happy to keep the House informed.”
“Such a Bill would be subject to the Executive’s legislative priorities. <BR /> <BR />I would be more than happy to further discuss the issue with the Member.”
“I am grateful to the Member for her question and for raising the issue. As I said to Michelle McIlveen a few moments ago, that is a real issue. Problem tenants do not just cause problems for themselves or their immediate neighbours; sometimes, they cause problems for quite a number of people throughout the area in which they live. <BR /> <BR />The first thing that we need to do is ensure that the Housing Executive and housing associations are able to use the powers that they currently have and that, where changes are needed, they are put in place. In addition, as part of the review of the housing selection scheme, my Department is committed to taking forward legislation that will implement changes to eligibility for social housing and full duty homelessness status where there has been unacceptable behaviour.”
“The Housing Executive has a range of powers at its disposal for dealing with antisocial behaviour issues. My Department keeps those powers under review to ensure that they are working effectively. To that end, as part of a joint public consultation with the Department of Justice, my Department recently published proposals to amend existing antisocial behaviour legislation, including grounds for possession and injunctions against antisocial behaviour. Officials will review the responses received, and I will consider the recommendations and next steps in due course.”
“Absolutely. My officials regularly engage with their counterparts in other Departments and with those in the Department for Infrastructure in particular. I will bring a housing supply strategy to the Executive soon, because I recognise that this is not an issue for just one Department to tackle. We need cross-party, cross-departmental working, and I believe that I will be able to get that housing supply strategy to the Executive and get buy-in so that we can address those issues.”
“I am grateful to the Member for raising that with me yet again. He has been consistent in his desire to see those homes remain. It is important that we look at the cost of the renovations that may need to take place, but we also need to make sure that there are homes that can be lived in. We also have to take into consideration the views of local residents when it comes to these issues. Many want to ensure that they continue to have a supply of housing. My priority is to make sure that we have housing and that we look at whatever options will help us to achieve that.”
“The process that I just outlined will, inevitably, add delays and costs to the planning approvals process for new social housing developments. I am open to all ideas about how we can progress this, but, ultimately, we need to deal with it at the root cause, which is making sure that we have the necessary waste water infrastructure in place. That is where it should be directed in the meantime.”
“From the 2024-25 programme year onwards, it is my understanding that any reduction in the Northern Ireland Water capital budget will have a knock-on impact on the timetable for planned upgrade works over the coming years. Whilst that will not necessarily preclude new social housing developments being approved and developed, it will mean that the current position, whereby the majority of new developments require a site-specific Northern Ireland Water engineering solution in order to progress, will continue for a longer period.”
“The impact of capacity restrictions on water and sewerage infrastructure on residential development is significant. It is highlighted regularly in discussions between my Department and stakeholders regarding social housing delivery. <BR /> <BR />I will mention the social housing development programme. In the event of a confirmed and significant reduction in the capital budget allocation for Northern Ireland Water over the coming years, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has been advised that NIW's understanding is that housing developments that are under construction should generally still be permitted to connect to the Northern Ireland Water network at completion stage.”
“The Member is absolutely right to highlight the renewable energy solutions that can be deployed to make sure that we have more energy-efficient homes. If a home has a roof, which all should, that provides great opportunity for householders to generate some of their own energy through the installation of solar panels. We should all be considering that, especially right now, given that the price of solar panels has gone so low. That is a way that helps us not only to meet our targets but, importantly, allows people to keep more of their money in their pockets.”
“Unfortunately, that is not limited to any one area. All of us will have had constituents come to us highlighting the issues with some of the housing stock that we have in Northern Ireland. That is why it is essential that we invest more. That may require a change to how the Housing Executive in particular operates. I am determined to take that forward. If we can change that system and how it is funded, we can improve our social housing stock so that people can live in warmer and healthier homes.”
“I do not have the specific figure with me, but, for the overall budget that is required to bring our homes up to standard, including the energy efficiency measures and the schemes that will need to take place to help us reach net zero, we are talking in the billions of pounds.”
“Some of the work that I have just outlined will significantly contribute to our net zero targets, because we understand how much residential buildings are contributing to meeting those targets. For me, it is even more important to make sure that people have a warm home to live in. We know the health impacts that that can have, and we know how it can impact on young people's educational attainment. Having the most energy-efficient homes and warm homes helps to protect people and protect their incomes, and that is one of the most important reasons for us to take this on.”
“A further £57·5 million has been made available for the Housing Executive’s thermal improvement and low-carbon programmes in the financial year 2024-25. My officials are also working on developing the NIHE revitalisation programme and a potential future retrofit funding model for registered housing associations. <BR /> <BR />Given that level of investment in social home decarbonisation alongside the severe financial and budgetary constraints that all Departments are facing, I have no plans to introduce a separate social housing decarbonisation fund.”
“I am committed to ensuring that social housing tenants are not left behind on the pathway to net zero by 2050. My Department has developed a housing supply strategy, which acknowledges the importance of ensuring that we have good quality homes. One of the proposed long-term commitments of the strategy is to ensure that there is an emphasis on improving the energy efficiency of homes and ensuring a just transition to decarbonised solutions. <BR /> <BR />My Department has also supported the Housing Executive in securing and utilising €22·951 million from the European regional development fund for its energy efficiency in social housing programme, with match funding from the Housing Executive. The programme improved the thermal efficiency of 1,406 non-traditional construction homes within the Housing Executive stock.”
“I am absolutely happy to look at that. The Member will be aware that many of the services that were originally provided to people across Northern Ireland, such as schools and hospitals, came from a faith-based background. That continues today. Many churches and faith-based organisations are involved in various anti-poverty measures, in food banks, in mental health support and, in particular, in youth and children's work. That is particularly significant here in Northern Ireland. We can think of many of the youth organisations that provide an incredible service, especially to children and young people. We should look at the ways in which we can share their help to deliver some of the support services that they provide.”
“The faith-based sector plays an important role in society across Northern Ireland, and the Department works closely with faith-based organisations that are involved in delivering projects and support to communities to help address societal issues including childcare, deprivation, health and well-being and access to critical services. In the past five years, the Department has provided over £5·6 million in resource and capital funding through various programmes to a range of faith-based organisations for community development and support programmes. The Department has also invested some £375,000 over the past five years as part of our infrastructure support to promote the role of faith-based organisations in serving the needs of communities across Northern Ireland.”
“Yes. Sport NI offers its facilities at the Sports Institute in Jordanstown, in our constituency, which seeks to support national governing bodies by helping to improve individual athletes' sport performance through the provision of its science, medicine and support programmes. That includes performance management, performance skills, performance analysis, performance nutrition, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.”
“I should have answered the Member's initial question fully by saying that £37,000 has been provided to individual Paralympic athletes through the athlete award programme and that, since 2020, Disability Sport Northern Ireland has received £663,502 from Sport NI. <BR /> <BR />The Member asked what support we can give those who are disabled to take part in sport, which is of interest to me. I am pleased that we will soon bring forward a disability strategy that will have a sporting element, but, overall, I want to see more people taking part in sport, especially those who have been under-represented in the past, such as women and disabled people. I think that I have an invitation to meet people who are interested in the issue, and I am more than happy to meet them as we put together the disability strategy.”
“I eagerly await the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris for the opportunity to watch athletes from Northern Ireland competing on the world stage. Northern Ireland has a number of noteworthy Paralympic athletes, including Claire Taggart, who is from my constituency, and James MacSorley. Both Paralympians have represented Team GB and NI at recent games.”
“The Member is absolutely correct to recognise that all that will, obviously, be subject to Executive agreement and a Budget being in place. Our carers do a fantastic job. In so many areas, we have people — carers who work in the voluntary and community sector — who take huge pressure off Departments. That should be taken into consideration.”
“The funding that is paid for the current mitigations, not including their implementation and delivery, is £24 million for the social sector size criteria; £2 million for the benefit cap; £122,000 for the loss of care payments; £113,000 for the time-limiting of employment and support allowance (ESA); and £354,000 for the move from disability living allowance (DLA) to personal independence payment (PIP). It will be difficult for my Department to estimate the total cost of the potential additional mitigations — some of them are hard to estimate — but the cost of the ones that we have figures for is probably in and around £700 million.”
“The Member will be aware of the independent advisory panel report on welfare mitigations. That sets out the issues and the potential costs of some of the mitigations that are in place currently. As well as that, it offers additional mitigations that could be put in place. Obviously, it is not for me to commit to any of those right now; that will be a decision for the Executive. As I said to the Committee Chair, it is important that we use the limited resources that we have in a way that helps to target and has the most impact on issues such as poverty.”
“There certainly is evidence on the impact of the lack of mitigations in GB compared with what we have in place. It is my understanding that the number of families affected is going down. I think that will be a smaller cost to the Executive in future years. It is right and proper that we examine all the mitigations that we have in place, examine their effectiveness and make sure that we have money available to help tackle the issues that the Member and others have raised in the Chamber, especially during our debates on poverty last week.”
“My Department has a statutory obligation to produce a report on the operation of existing welfare supplementary payment schemes before 31 March 2025. It will then be for the Executive to consider the next steps.”
“That issue is raised frequently. I know that there is a sense of unfairness about the fact that issues such as domestic abuse are not included. Protecting the most vulnerable in our society is central, and some of those who have been subject to domestic abuse, obviously, fall into that category. Under the current scheme, those who are subject to intimidation receive 200 points. Someone who leaves their home as a result of domestic abuse can be allocated 70 points for homelessness and up to 40 primary social need points for violence or the threat of violence, which is a total of 110 points. There is therefore a system in place that can be of some assistance if you fall into that category. Work on that is ongoing, and I will take that forward.”
“No, I am unable to provide that, because, of course, we do not have concrete evidence of exactly who has or has not been abusing that. A lot of the information we have is based on anecdotal evidence, which is not always possible to verify. The issue is raised frequently with me. I look forward to receiving the report so that I can base my decision on the evidence that is provided.”
“Yes, that is part of the review. It is the one of the recommendations on which progress is to be made. I can give her that specific information. I am pleased that the recommendations that were agreed are moving forward at pace. I understand that some have been slower to progress than we would like. I intend to move those forward, as well as the outstanding ones, and consider them when the report comes through.”
“I am sorry. I do not have proposal 7. I am not sure which one that is.”
“The Member has given an example that, I am sure, will be familiar to many Members. She is correct to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of existing tenants and the peaceful protection of their property. That is what I intend to do as Minister. As well as looking at the issue of intimidation points, I intend to keep under review policies and sanctions that will allow the Housing Executive and housing associations to take action against those who are causing problems in their neighbourhoods.”
“That will inform the options for future provision for the assessment, verification and prioritisation of housing need for victims of violence.”
“I am aware that there is significant concern that intimidation points are being abused. I can confirm that the Housing Executive undertakes a robust verification process to ensure that points are awarded to those who meet the specified criteria. However, I believe that change is needed to ensure that victims of trauma or violence, including victims of domestic abuse, are treated more consistently. People who are genuinely victims of violence must receive the priority they deserve. <BR /> <BR />We must also ensure that the system cannot be abused. As part of the ongoing fundamental review of social housing allocations, I will consider the future options for intimidation points. Independent research on the subject is close to completion.”
“The Member is correct to raise the impact of the legacy of the Euros. As I have said in the House and elsewhere, it is important that a footballing tournament has a footballing legacy. I intend that the subregional stadia programme, as well as other work that I intend to carry out in this area, will mean that we will have a much improved footballing legacy across Northern Ireland.”