In response to the comments from Superseal earlier today, a DSD Spokesperson said: “Minister McCausland has not suspended any double glazing replacement programmes nor did he order a review of contracts. Following advice from his Departmental technical staff he did ask the NIHE to review their specification for replacement window installation, something which the NIHE confirmed they had already commenced.
"Last year, 12/13, 8,660 Housing Executive homes were double glazed, 9,000 are planned for this year leaving approximately 4,000 to be completed in 14/15 thereby completing the PFG target to have all Housing Executive homes double glazed by 2015. This must be viewed against the NIHE’s original plans to double glaze its stock by 2021. Had Minister McCausland not increased the installation programme to install double glazing in all NIHE homes there would still be thousands of homes left with drafty single glazed frames.”
Showing posts with label nelson mccausland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nelson mccausland. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Friday, 29 March 2013
Response from Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland on Mark Durkan’s comments today in relation to under occupancy
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has responded to Mark H. Durkan's comments on under occupancy.
“Mr Durkan’s comments are completely inaccurate and to suggest I am burying my head in the sand is simply ridiculous.
“I have reiterated time and time again in both in the Assembly and in media interviews my concerns with this element of welfare reform. Some time ago I asked social landlords to ensure that they had considered all options to prevent tenants being evicted from their homes or being made homeless as a result of these changes. I asked both the Housing Executive and the Housing Association movement to bring forward detailed action plans to provide a range of support measures for those households affected. No guidelines were issued by my department.
“I will be continuing to work with my Executive colleagues to ensure the most vulnerable people here are protected as welfare changes are implemented across the UK.
“In addition, over the last few weeks, I published a series of in depth research reports on the Northern Ireland impacts of welfare reform proposals. This research was shared extensively among my Assembly colleagues, the Social Development Committee of which Mr Durkan is a part, the media and stakeholder organisations.
“While a number of elements of the Welfare Reform Act (GB) 2012 are due to be implemented in Great Britain in the coming weeks, these will not begin in Northern Ireland until the Welfare Reform Bill (NI) 2012 has become law and the necessary regulations have been put in place. This Bill is currently making its way through the legislative process at the Northern Ireland Assembly and the next step in the legislative process is Consideration Stage, which will begin on 16 April 2013.”
“Mr Durkan’s comments are completely inaccurate and to suggest I am burying my head in the sand is simply ridiculous.
“I have reiterated time and time again in both in the Assembly and in media interviews my concerns with this element of welfare reform. Some time ago I asked social landlords to ensure that they had considered all options to prevent tenants being evicted from their homes or being made homeless as a result of these changes. I asked both the Housing Executive and the Housing Association movement to bring forward detailed action plans to provide a range of support measures for those households affected. No guidelines were issued by my department.
“I will be continuing to work with my Executive colleagues to ensure the most vulnerable people here are protected as welfare changes are implemented across the UK.
“In addition, over the last few weeks, I published a series of in depth research reports on the Northern Ireland impacts of welfare reform proposals. This research was shared extensively among my Assembly colleagues, the Social Development Committee of which Mr Durkan is a part, the media and stakeholder organisations.
“While a number of elements of the Welfare Reform Act (GB) 2012 are due to be implemented in Great Britain in the coming weeks, these will not begin in Northern Ireland until the Welfare Reform Bill (NI) 2012 has become law and the necessary regulations have been put in place. This Bill is currently making its way through the legislative process at the Northern Ireland Assembly and the next step in the legislative process is Consideration Stage, which will begin on 16 April 2013.”
Monday, 4 February 2013
McCausland clarifies position on new tenancy deposit scheme
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland today expressed his disappointment at the criticism levelled at the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme by Social Development Committee member, Michael Copeland.
The Minister said: "Today I have been pleased to announce that, from April, tenants across Northern Ireland are being given the same protections as those living in England. Tenants will now be sure that they can get their tenancy deposit back if they are entitled to it.
“These Regulations had the full backing of all MLAs. Assembly approval was given in September 2012. I am surprised at Michael Copeland's remarks today especially since he voted for the scheme in the Assembly less than five months ago. Mr Copeland should know that due process needs to be followed when introducing new laws and my department worked to bring in this legislation very quickly while ensuring that a workable scheme would be delivered at the end of it.
"Mr Copeland is mistaken in saying my Department failed to communicate with housing providers; there was in fact considerable consultation with stakeholders including landlords. Has he considered whether some of the complaints made by landlords today could be an attempt to protect their vested interests?
"As Housing Minister I have to deliver the best for all of the people living here. It is beyond me why Mr Copeland wants to make a bad news story out of this. It is shocking that Mr Copeland today criticises a scheme that he had the chance to shape in the Assembly; the same Assembly where he actually welcomed it.
"What I have announced today is good news for Northern Ireland tenants, and these new procedures will protect both landlords and tenants and improve the image of the private rented sector making it a more viable housing option."
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