Question Time: Social Development Tuesday 9 September 2014
During today’s
Question
Time, Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland, suggested that
some Members may be “financially illiterate”, failing to realise the harsh
realities of budget cuts. Over the current financial year the Department for
Social Development faces cuts of up to £29m and, as a result of penalties for
failing to agree welfare reform, a potential £200m a year will be lost. As a
result of the cuts the Minister fears that “some of the most vulnerable in our
society — people in areas of deprivation and suffering from individual and
family vulnerabilities — will bear the brunt of this”. However he maintained
that he “will continue to ensure that protecting the vulnerable is at the core
of what I do”. When Leslie Cree asked why the Minister does not bring the
Welfare Reform Bill back to the Floor of the House, Mr McCausland explained that
doing so would be “the worst thing of all” and result in a much more difficult
situation as it would bring us back to square one – Welfare Reform needs to
come forward “as a Northern Ireland Executive package rather than simply being
put onto the Floor and thrown out there”.
The Minister
also discussed the large number of households currently living in fuel poverty.
42% of households currently spend 10% of their income on fuel and a worrying
33,000 households are spending 25% or more on fuel. The Minister pointed out
that, while high, these figures would be even worse if not for the work of his
Department. The boiler replacement scheme and proposed energy efficiency scheme
are helping address the imbalance. Mr McCausland again highlighted that budget
cuts are affecting how much he can do but assured that “I am committed to
working in a collaborative and inclusive way, and I am always keen to explore
all options and new initiatives to provide assistance to the most vulnerable
households”.
During the
topical question period the Minister answered questions on the report on the
intimidation of Councillor Jenny Palmer, his relationship with the Social
Development Committee, the Building Successful Communities programme and the
racial equality strategy.
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