Reflecting on a fast-paced year of transformative policies and programmes, Minister Lyons said: “On taking up post, I made a commitment to deliver, to get things done. Looking over the year there is no doubting the positive action taken right across the Department’s remit – including housing, sports, arts, culture, regeneration and supporting people.
“I have found a way forward in key areas which have been at a standstill for too long.
“In one of my first actions as Minister, I stepped up to resolve disparities in relation to defective buildings. This resulted in the delivery of the Defective Premises Act, which gives homeowners in Northern Ireland the same protections as those in England and Wales.
“I launched the first whole system Housing Supply Strategy for Northern Ireland which aims to see the creation of 100,000 new homes and will address homelessness, housing supply and housing quality. Separately, around £35million of funding has also been provided to the NIHE to prevent homelessness.
“The Northern Ireland Football Fund is now open to applications from performance clubs, which is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the game locally with modernised facilities.
“For me, the £36.2million commitment is just the start and I will work to sustain the Fund by making the case for further investment from the Executive, from within the football sector and across local government.
“In a year which saw unprecedented success for our athletes from Northern Ireland at the Olympics and Paralympics, I was pleased to host an event at the SSE Arena and announce a £100k fund for our Gold medalists to invest back into their sports.”
Minister Lyons continued: “Under my remit of Transforming Place and Communities, I have delivered £13million of capital funding for regeneration projects across all Council areas and these strategic sites will deliver new homes and high-quality public spaces.”
Minister Lyons added that the achievements of the last year had been focussed entirely on achieving his Department’s stated mission of tackling disadvantage and building sustainable communities.
“At the heart of this, of course, are people,” he said, “and I have moved swiftly and decisively in providing and extending support in the face of an extremely challenging budgetary situation.
“Following the unwelcome and unexpected decision by the Labour government to restrict Winter Fuel Payments, I secured £17million from the Executive for a £100 fuel support payment for all pension age households affected by the change. This payment is on schedule to be delivered by the end of March.
“I also ensured the extension of welfare mitigation payments for those impacted by social security changes such as the Benefit Cap and ‘bedroom tax’. Extending these mitigation schemes will have a positive impact for people across Northern Ireland and will help to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
The Minister added: “My focus continues on delivery. I will bring forward the Sign Language Bill in the coming weeks and will take both the Anti-Poverty and Disability and Work strategies to the Executive.
“At the end of my first year as Minister for Communities I reiterate my belief that this Executive has to be marked by delivery. I have, and will continue to, play my part in that delivery for the benefit of our entire community.”
Additional programmes funded and supported
- Target set for the completion of 1400 new start homes, supported by £168.65million investment.
- Local community services have also been boosted with investment of £38million to over 400 community organisations and over 1,900 smaller community groups, with a focus on areas of deprivation. Through this, over 26,000 children and young people have been supported with education projects; 100,000 people have accessed debt advice and support and 7000 people included in health initiatives. In addition, 19,000 young people will benefit from youth inclusion or diversionary projects and over 300 community facilities will be improved.
- - Additional funding of £2.7million for the £80million Supporting People Programme to support people and homeless service providers to address cost pressures
- Continued investment in the free Make the Call advice service that connects people with a broad range of benefits, services and supports. Last year MtC assisted 12,025 people in accessing £62.1millon in additional annualised benefits that they were entitled to but not claiming. On average, customers were better off by £99.36 per person per week.
- Musical Instruments Programme funding increased by an additional £323k bringing the total capital investment to £823k. The programme supports groups and young people by helping replace worn out instruments. To date 119 awards granted have been involving over 4500 people in total
- - £180k Exchequer funding distributed to seven District Councils through the community planning process to open community participation opportunities in sport and physical activity.
- £1.2million Exchequer to support those with disabilities to access sport and physical activity.