Joanne Bunting
East Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Their input was instrumental in shaping the Bill that the Assembly will shortly be invited to pass. <BR /> <BR />For those affected by the mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and related pathways and practices, the process has taken too long, but we can be pleased that we got there, for the victims' sakes.”
“It is still cruel, disheartening and difficult to fully comprehend. I hope that the experiences of the many women who were affected by those institutions and practices will serve as a challenge to us all.”
“We thank all who participated in the Victims and Survivors Consultation Forum. We know that that has not always been an easy space, but we hope that, today, they can reflect on all their efforts with pride.”
“<BR /> <BR />To victims and survivors considering whether to engage with the redress service, I send an unequivocal message: the scheme exists because your experiences matter, and you need not face the process alone.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, the experience did not end with the institution itself; rather, for the victims and survivors — those women and children — the period has been a thread of pain that has woven its way through their entire lives.”
“It is not an exaggeration to say that today is a momentous day. It is an honour and a privilege for me to move the Final Stage of this important legislation on behalf of the First Minister and the deputy first Minister, junior Minister Reilly and, indeed, the Executive.”
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“The Minister did not quite get to the detail of when, she anticipates, the long waits will end. We are now in a situation in which people will face sanction because they are not able to tax their car because they cannot get an MOT certificate for their car. What is she doing to mitigate that?”
“I have constituents who are elderly, who are terminally ill and whose families made the difficult decision to bring them out of hospital prior to Christmas. Those people are still waiting for care packages. I ask the Minister whether we need to step that up a gear? What can be done as a matter of urgency to introduce more staff into the sector to address that before it becomes a heightened crisis?”
“The Minister will appreciate that I have some constituents who have received estimates for literally tens of thousands of pounds, which could have significant detrimental impact on them and their properties. I am thinking, in particular, of private owners and landlords. If there is to be such a scheme that people can tap into, how will it be made accessible to them, and what are the time frames?”
“Does the Minister recognise that many far beyond unionism respect and admire Her Majesty and would participate in community celebrations? Does she see that this is an opportunity for community cohesion and would bring some light to a very terrible situation for those vulnerable people to whom she referred? Does she understand that this is international and historic and so is bigger than local government? Why will she not establish a fund?”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I would appreciate your direction on whether the debate is about the DUP or COVID registration and certification.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his answer, and I will take that very positive project up with the Finance Minister. However, does the Member agree with me that the fact that the Commission has no responsibility for decision-making is exactly why it can and should make representations? Moreover, does the Member concur that, since the centenary passed with a refusal from the Commission to light up the Building, permit a commemorative stone or even plant a rose, perhaps the Commission would not want to continue to create the impression that Stormont is a cold house for people of my background and that it does not want a Prod about the place?”
“It should, and, I trust, will, deliver much-needed reform of the special rules for terminal illness and social security law in Northern Ireland. I have no doubt that all right-thinking people will concur.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will deliver much-needed reform to the special rules process and ensure that thousands more people in Northern Ireland can access the welfare support system that they need when they need it. That is the key. The issue is always one of time and ensuring that terminally ill people get the financial support that they are entitled to quickly and with as little distress and bureaucratic interference as possible. I trust that, in practice, the Bill will go some way to addressing that, so I welcome its introduction.”
“They may spend their final weeks and months fighting against the bureaucracy of the social security system. Some may even end up dying before they receive their first payment, as referenced by Ms Armstrong and Mr Durkan. <BR /> <BR />The Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill will extend the life expectancy criterion under special rules from six to 12 months, ensuring that thousands more dying people will get fast-track access to welfare benefits. That change is much more closely aligned to the clinical evidence in the current system. Living Matters, Dying Matters, which was Northern Ireland's last palliative care strategy, and NHS England use the definition of end of life that includes a 12-month life expectancy. The Republic of Ireland's Health Service Executive defines terminal illness in the same way.”
“Any paid employment will be significantly impacted, and dying people and their carers also face extra costs for things like equipment, home adaptations and higher household bills and travel costs. Those extra costs have been calculated at around £3,300 per patient each year. In that context, the financial support provided by the social security system can be a godsend for terminally ill people and their loved ones, but long delays in accessing welfare payments are compounding the financial pressures facing many households. <BR /> <BR />That delay in accessing payments has a unique impact on terminally ill people. Time is a luxury that they do not have, and the delay means that some terminally ill claimants do not receive their benefits until the advanced or end stage of their condition.”
“<BR /> <BR />On 8 July 2020, Belfast High Court ruled that the difference in treatment for terminally ill welfare claimants who cannot reasonably meet the six-month life expectancy criteria under the special rules is discriminatory. Mr Justice McAlinden described the difference in treatment as, "manifestly without reasonable foundation". <BR /> <BR />The significant delays associated with standard welfare applications may also mean terminally ill people spending the rest of their lives facing severe financial pressures. Two thirds of households affected by terminal illness experience financial strain. Being terminally ill is very expensive.”
“Patients who are expected to live for longer than six months might die within that period because of a sudden decline in their condition. <BR /> <BR />Many terminally ill people do not qualify for benefits under the special rules because their doctor is, of course, unable to predict their life expectancy to within six months, which is a restrictive time frame that has no basis in clinical reality. <BR /> <BR />The current system works only for patients with a predictable disease trajectory, such as some types of cancer. While cancer accounts for less than a third of deaths every year, freedom of information data shows that it has consistently accounted for between 80% and 95% of local PIP claims awarded under SRTI.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the limited number of terminally ill people who are currently eligible for social security payments under the special rules, their experience is significantly different from those who are not. By using a definition of terminal illness that is tied to life expectancy of six months or less, many legitimate claimants are currently excluded from applying for welfare support under the special rules. <BR /> <BR />As others have mentioned, for many terminal illnesses, particularly non-cancer conditions such as motor neurone disease, chronic heart failure and COPD, accurate prognosis can be difficult because of the unpredictable trajectories of those conditions. The rate of progression can vary.”
“The Bill will go some way towards addressing that need by extending the provision of fast-track claims and ensuring that many more terminally ill people are able to access the welfare support that they need without facing distressing disability assessments, which my colleague Mr Frew mentioned earlier, long delays and unnecessary bureaucracy. <BR /> <BR />Estimates from the Department for Communities suggest that the Bill will result in an additional 1,010 to 1,840 dying people accessing fast-track benefits every year in Northern Ireland — the equivalent, at the upper end, of an 89% increase on the current special rules caseload. That is to be welcomed.”
“I declare that I am chair of the all-party group (APG) on terminal illness. <BR /> <BR />As with everybody else in the House, I welcome the Bill. It progresses some way towards the reform for which the APG, its secretariat, Marie Curie, the rest of the sector and other Members and I have called for a long time. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will deliver much-needed reform to the special rules for terminal illness in social security law in Northern Ireland. As we all know, the special rules are supposed to provide fast-track access to welfare benefits for terminally ill people, but, again, as we all concur, the eligibility criterion is restrictive and unfairly excludes many dying people. Change is therefore desperately needed.”
“I am keen for the Minister to indicate the time frame for that. Across Northern Ireland, in places such as Ballyhackamore, where parking is limited but there are many businesses, there is difficulty with access for bin collections, emergency services and so on because of inconsiderate parking. Is the report likely to include anything that will assist residents in individual streets, or — this is the problem — is the policy likely to remain focused on general areas?”
“I am grateful to the Minister for his answer. However, the nub of my question was that there is any amount of private appointments available but none for NHS patients. The Minister will be aware that I have a number of questions pending on that. <BR /> <BR />I will cite the example of one elderly constituent whose family had to ring 10 dentists across numerous constituencies, none of which were accepting NHS patients including transferring patients. The only way that that person was able to get an appointment was by accepting a private one. We know that poor dental hygiene leads to poor health. Does the Minister recognise the full extent of this problem? Does he accept that expedient action is required before dentistry is the next crisis and before dental treatment becomes unaffordable for many people?”
“My very best to the bus drivers and passengers affected. <BR /> <BR />I was at a meeting, last night, with constituents in East Belfast who feel that they are being penalised unfairly and without basis because of bad behaviour in Newtownards. What is the Minister's explanation for those people? Can she square that circle? Was and is there any intelligence to suggest that that bad behaviour would be replicated in East Belfast? Many people, at this point, have been inconvenienced.”
“It is important that the proper process is in place for that eventuality and the subsequent proclamation of our new king in what will be a time of immense sadness and mourning in our nation and across the world for a remarkable woman, her strength of character, her life that was led as an example and her historic reign. <BR /> <BR />Nevertheless, we trust that we are making the provisions far in advance and that it will be some time before they are necessary. In the interim, we wish Her Majesty a speedy recovery from her recent ill health. On this side of the House, we continue to pray with heart and voice that, in the words of the national anthem, she is:”
“<BR /> <BR />A copy of the proposed regulations was circulated to all Members last week and is available in hard copy in the Business Office. The Business Committee did not take a view on the proposals. Instead, in line with previous practice, the Business Committee agreed to table today's motion to create an opportunity for Members to consider the draft regulations. The Official Report of the debate will record the views expressed in the Assembly on the proposals. <BR /> <BR />I will now speak as a DUP MLA. We all know that death is an unavoidable part of life. The regulations and the preparations for the passing of our beloved monarch are necessary.”
“<BR /> <BR />The first of the proposed amendments will provide that the Union flag need not be flown on a designated day relating to a member of the royal family who has died. That will prevent the flag being flown in circumstances where there is not enough time to amend the regulations to address that occurrence. The second of the proposed amendments relates to plans following the death of the monarch and will allow for the Union flag to fly at full mast on the proclamation of a new monarch. The current regulations do not make that provision. The final proposed amendment removes His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh's birthday on 10 June and Her Majesty The Queen's wedding day, 20 November, as designated days, although 20 November will remain as a designated day for this year.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Business Committee was made aware that the Secretary of State had written to the Speaker on 13 October 2021 advising that he intended to make three amendments to the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000. The initial date provided for the Assembly to report on its views was 27 October 2021. However, as that did not take account of the period of recess over Halloween, the Speaker requested that the deadline be extended. Subsequently, the Secretary of State extended it to 11 November. The Business Committee agreed to schedule the motion today to facilitate the Assembly in making its views known in time for a report to be provided to the Secretary of State by the later date.”
“The Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 make provision in relation to the flying of flags at government buildings on specified days. Under the Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000, the Secretary of State has the power to make and amend such regulations. However, in doing so, the Secretary of State is required to refer draft proposed regulations to the Assembly. The Assembly must then report to the Secretary of State the views expressed in the Assembly during the debate on the proposed regulations by the date specified by the Secretary of State. That is the process. The Secretary of State has a duty to consider the Assembly's report and may amend the proposed regulations as a result of the report before laying the regulations for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament.”
“I request that, for the good of our constituents in East Belfast, she take on board the points that we all raise here this evening.”
“I trust that the other East Belfast MLAs in the House will agree that East Belfast is in desperate need of social housing for our constituents, who deserve the best. I have written to the Minister to ascertain what work is being done to identify additional sites for social housing and what action is being taken to address the shortage of available homes in East Belfast. Tonight, I reiterate that East Belfast has a housing crisis. Therefore, I implore the Minister to move forward quickly with the sites already identified for social housing. I ask her to assess whether current housing stock maximises the potential of the land on which it sits and to ensure that the accommodation designed for each potential site is suitable and truly reflects the demand.”
“Many individuals with mobility issues currently reside in unsuitable accommodation and are either on the waiting list for transfer or are waiting for adaptations to be carried out to their property to make it accessible and safe. Those individuals are desperate to regain some semblance of independence, yet their housing situation has not been conducive to meeting their needs. The creation of improved and accessible social housing must remain a key objective. <BR /> <BR />East Belfast needs quality, affordable homes and more social housing, of that there is no doubt. We need modern, energy-efficient, future-proof properties in locations that suit true need and true demand. That includes properties for our elderly, our disabled population, our over-55s and larger families.”
“In the short term, the Department for Communities has approved the demolition of two tower blocks in East Belfast, namely Clarawood House and Kilbroney House. The process will take time because some residents own their flat, but numerous others will need to be rehoused, and the waiting lists in East Belfast are already extensive and oversubscribed. Furthermore, the majority of those who will be displaced want to remain in the area. However, that will be impossible if no properties are available. It is unlikely that the number of properties built on the footprints will cover the number of people displaced. <BR /> <BR />Another factor for consideration is properties for those with disabilities.”
“I trust that the Minister will take that on board and commit to providing accommodation in safe zones. That is a key objective in actively encouraging residents to maintain their independence as they age.”
“After a recent question for written answer, the Minister advised that, whilst housing associations have designated stock for over-55s in East Belfast, the Housing Executive has none. As we age, we feel increasingly vulnerable and many of our ageing population live in fear due to antisocial behaviour in some areas. Designated and specifically designed services for the over-55s are intended to promote quality of life and help older people to maintain an independent lifestyle in an environment that breaks down the barriers of social isolation and promotes overall well-being. From experience, I know that many tenants over the age of 55 on a waiting list will not accept a flat for fear that there will be noise or antisocial behaviour, and they worry that they will regret their decision to move.”
“There is a lack of sanctions for those tenants who misbehave and are simply moved from one place to another, causing mayhem wherever they go. That, too, has an impact on need, demand and availability. Often, they are housed before others as the result of a threat, but they can also have such an impact on an area that nobody wants to be housed there. Only the most desperate will go there, and those who reject the offer are left with a strike on their records. An area can get a bad reputation because of a few tenants who make all the rest miserable through wilful bad behaviour. However, the executive has no real sanctions and must jump through many hoops to be allowed to act at all. All of that takes its toll on waiting lists and requests for transfers. <BR /> <BR />That leads me to the position for the over-55s.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have raised the housing points allocation system with the Minister previously, not least during today's Question Time. Whilst I understand that the use of intimidation points will be retained for those who need them, there have been occasions where the intimidation points system has been abused so that tenants can move from place to place, going to the top of the list each time. That prolongs the situation for other, sometimes vulnerable, applicants who may have been at the top of the list for a particular area until the very last minute. We all have constituents in dire need who have lost out on homes in that way. Nobody objects to allocation for true intimidation, but we all object to those who abuse the system. <BR /> <BR />That leads me to my next point.”
“I have raised them with her in the past, and she will have received the photos that I sent her showing how Housing Executive tenants are expected to live in horrendous conditions in what are now deemed "the flats from hell". The tender prices came in too high, so it was retendered. The spec was lowered, but the costs rose in the interim, so the tenders came in too high again. In the meantime, tenants were moved to other places, numerous flats were left empty, the damp got worse and the costs grew. The decision-making process has taken so long that everybody is still in limbo and the condition of the flats has degenerated to the point where some are irretrievable. I know that work has been undertaken to address some of that, but decisions should be taken before flats reach that standard. They should remain habitable until the end.”
“However, that is not an answer for most people because of the reasons that I mentioned earlier, including financial pressures. Again, people who chose to cite a three-bed property rather than the four-bed that they need to ensure that they have a better chance of being homed skew the figures for what is actually needed. <BR /> <BR />We then have the flats that have been allowed to reach such a state of disrepair that some are now uninhabitable, while the decision on their future renovation has been repeatedly delayed. Properties need to be maintained regularly. The Tullycarnet situation is one such example. The Minister will be only too familiar with the Kings Road flats.”
“Again, in a recent answer to a question for written answer, the Minister advised that there are only 187 four-bed properties in East Belfast. Compare that to West Belfast, where there are 547. Larger families are not catered for in my constituency and, as a result, people often have to move out of the east. Families with this requirement who are determined to stay in the east end up being told to change their housing needs to a three-bed property in order to receive an offer faster. That is all well and good, but they then have to live in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions. Therefore, the choice is to wait interminably for a four-bed property that may never come or be cramped. <BR /> <BR />The other advice that is often offered in order to get a four-bed property is that families should consider private rentals.”
“<BR /> <BR />More often than not, people have to adjust their area of choice to afford them a better opportunity of actually being housed. It follows that, in settled communities, there is high demand but low turnover, and so the chances of being housed are extremely slim. Therefore, people opt for somewhere else because there is more movement, but that is not necessarily where they want to be. That can result in a somewhat distorted perception of where the demand actually is, which, consequently, skews where social housing is built. From an applicant's point of view, there is no point in, essentially, wasting your first preference on an area where there is no turnover, high points are required and the offers are negligible. <BR /> <BR />We also have a dearth of four-bed properties in East Belfast.”
“<BR /> <BR />Naturally, people have an affinity with the areas in which they grew up. Most of us want to be surrounded by family and loved ones for additional security and family support. However, because of a lack of available homes, people who grew up in the area are having to move further afield to different areas of choice just to have a chance of being housed and, in so doing, are losing out on that family support network. I know from my own office that that is the case for most young single mothers who do not drive and, therefore, struggle with not being able to live close to their support network. They can be on a waiting list for a significant amount of time in order to receive an offer in an area that they require.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response to questions for written answer, the Minister advised me that there are currently 2,572 applicants on the waiting list, of whom 1,667 are in housing stress. However, the annual allocations amount to only 451. Those statistics alone clearly show that the need for increased quality social housing is pressing. Although the Minister has already committed to ensuring that more social homes are built and allocated where they are needed, and that ring-fencing of the social housing budget will be reintroduced to ensure that those areas of acute housing need are prioritised, additional action must be taken to achieve suitable social housing — "suitable" being the operative word. I will outline to her some of the difficulties that are faced by those seeking social housing in East Belfast.”
“Most of us in the Chamber would say that it is God's own country. In all seriousness, it really is a great place to live, work, visit and raise a family. It is safe. It has great schools and beautiful restaurants, cafes and takeaways. You are in the city, but only ever minutes away from parks and the country. The city centre is easily and quickly accessible. There are reasonably decent transport links. There are greenways. There are plenty of local and varied shops. It has a strong culture of close-knit communities, active churches and community groups, many sporting clubs, and a hospital. Of course people want to live there; why would they not? That has always been the case in East Belfast, so, naturally, it continues to be a housing hotspot, with soaring waiting lists.”
“Most development opportunities of late have been in Dundonald, where several new private housing developments have been established. However, many of those could not be classed as affordable homes. Although there are several other significant planning applications in the system — again, in Dundonald — the water service advises that the area is at around 95% capacity, which impacts on planning decisions and time frames for building. Frankly, the roads are no better. Getting through Dundonald at rush hour is not a pretty picture. You might say, "Use public transport. Get on the Glider", but even the park-and-ride is full. Planning and infrastructure are not the Minister's problem, but they exacerbate the housing issue and the demand for social housing, which she must address. <BR /> <BR />East Belfast is a superb place to live.”
“<BR /> <BR />More people than ever are renting privately, but private rentals can be expensive and unstable, resulting in the constant worry of eviction and, sometimes, relatively short-term tenancy agreements. Furthermore, there are private landlords who will not accept tenants who are in receipt of housing benefit, thus adding to the number of obstacles for some to overcome. Homelessness is on the rise. Many people are being forced out of their homes altogether. Those individuals might have to wait a considerable amount of time for suitable accommodation, and, in the meantime, have nowhere to go. <BR /> <BR />Infrastructure is at capacity, and planning is slow. East Belfast is already considerably built-up, so there is limited space on which to build.”
“<BR /> <BR />What is at the root of the housing crisis in East Belfast? Ultimately, it boils down to a lack of affordable housing and a legacy of Housing Executive stock being sold off and not replaced in similar numbers. However, there are multiple factors contributing to the lack of affordable housing, which, in turn, increase the need for social housing. House prices are rising, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford home ownership. People are being priced out. East Belfast is one of the most expensive places in which to buy. Many of the homes that are being built are beyond the reach of a considerable number of people, as the escalating costs of building are being passed on to the consumer. East Belfast is in demand, and demand increases the asking price: that is the market.”
“My staff and I hear in detail about the way in which individuals are expected to live in accommodation that does not fit or address their needs, how families are forced to live apart or in cramped conditions and how people sofa surf between family members and friends. We hear from those who will endure almost anything to avoid having to go to a hostel with their children or, in the worst-case scenario, who simply have nowhere to turn and end up living in their cars or on the streets. <BR /> <BR />Simply put, East Belfast has a housing crisis. There are far from enough social and affordable homes to meet the growing demand and need, and there still are not enough homes being built to come close to alleviating the problem, which will only worsen as the tower block strategy is implemented.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to bring forward this topic for the Adjournment debate, because it is a subject that is of great import in my constituency of East Belfast. At the outset, I pay tribute to Carole and Gary and their staff for their sterling work and their approach to addressing the housing problems that we bring to them. Would that the Housing Executive had a few more like them. I am also grateful to the Minister for Communities for her attendance this evening, and I look forward to hearing what she has to say on the subject. <BR /> <BR />Day in, day out, my office is contacted by constituents seeking housing support, as individuals, families and those with disabilities continue to struggle with their housing situation. Housing is by far the biggest issue in my caseload.”
“I thank the Minister for that information. I accept what she is saying about the intimidation points; it is a very difficult area. Without question, however, there are people who abuse that system. What does she intend to do to put a stop to people abusing the system in circumstances where they claim that they are being intimidated?”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am not entirely clear on whether it is in order for the Member to refer to issues like that when he does not know what has gone on over here. We have had illness in this section of the House. There are reasons why Members who were due to participate are not here. Perhaps he will want to reconsider those remarks.”
“— but, for the sake of the victims, it must not be the only time that we engage with the issue.”
“That support is imperative to ensure that survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery have a stable pathway to recovery. It is time that our legislation provided statutory support for confirmed victims of modern slavery on a discretionary basis. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the passing of the Second Stage of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill, particularly its extension of support to potential victims where there is no trafficking element. That represents a first step. <BR /> <BR />Today, on Anti-Slavery Day, I call on the Assembly to prioritise long-term victim support in this mandate. Anti-Slavery Day is an annual reminder that modern slavery exists —”
“We are all inspired by those who deal with this scourge every day, who see and hear horrendous accounts of appalling abuse and strive to assist and restore victims, bring justice to perpetrators and tackle this massive and growing problem in our world. <BR /> <BR />As I have said many times in the House, Northern Ireland has a strong history of leading the way in the fight against modern slavery, but our responsibility to victims does not and should not stop there. We have an obligation to ensure that victims receive the support that they need to begin to rebuild their lives. I take the opportunity to reiterate to the Assembly that we should provide at least 12 months of statutory support to confirmed victims of trafficking.”
“The uncomfortable truth that we need to grasp is that the problem is real and is happening in our beloved Northern Ireland. We need to know the signs, and we need to report. <BR /> <BR />Recent figures show that the number of potential victims entering the national referral mechanism has increased by 750% in eight years. Although that might be the result of increased awareness and identification, those staggering numbers are indicative of the extent of modern slavery in our Province. Those figures should greatly trouble us. As the chairperson of the APG on modern slavery, I am so glad that other MLAs participate in that group who are just as committed to the eradication of modern slavery and to giving support to and getting justice for its victims.”
“I, too, wish to be associated with the tributes to Sir David Amess. <BR /> <BR />Today is UK Anti-Slavery Day, which is an annual reminder to us that human trafficking and modern slavery still exist across the world. Today also marks the beginning of Anti-Slavery Week, and there will be a number of events that aim to raise awareness of the harrowing reality of modern slavery, not least of which will be a meeting of our all-party group (APG) on modern slavery tomorrow lunchtime, at which we will hear from our guest speaker, Lord McColl. I encourage Members with an interest in the subject to attend that virtual meeting. <BR /> <BR />What does slavery mean to us now? Sadly, we have not moved far from the images of old, and the impact on victims is as grave as ever.”