6 July 2000

NIGEL DODDS SETS OUT PRIORITIES FOR PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT

"Tackling disadvantage and building communities are key challenges for my Department," said Nigel Dodds Minister for Social Development. Mr Dodds was setting out his department's priorities for the programme of government at this afternoon's Social Development Committee.

Highlighting his department's key priorities the Minister said: "Good and affordable housing is vital to the economic and social well being of the people of Northern Ireland. A key priority of mine will be to secure adequate funding for and continuing major investment in housing not least to support my department's regeneration efforts. The problems of fuel poverty and the fuel poor will be vigorously tackled and a consultation document on domestic energy efficiency will be issued soon."

The Minister also outlined policy proposals that will be included in a Housing Bill to be published later this year. He also confirmed that a radical review of urban regeneration policies would be undertaken. "The new strategy will put tackling the most acute deprivation and disadvantage at the centre of our programmes and will signal a move towards an integrated area and needs based approach. New regeneration strategies for Belfast and Londonderry will be developed, the aim of which will be to deliver long-term and sustainable benefits targeted at those in greatest need."

Recognising the vital part played by the voluntary and community sector the Minister continued: "We will continue to develop strategies in line with the Compact and departmental good practice guides we are producing. We will be reviewing structures within the department and how to strengthen areas of weak community infrastructure. We will also be considering the issue of sustainability of funding."

On social legislation the Minister confirmed that he aims to have the new street trading legislation in place by Christmas.

Concluding Mr Dodds confirmed the need to approve impending legislation on Child Support, Pensions and Social Security. "While we must retain parity on the legislative front with the rest of the UK, I will also be looking at ways in which the actual delivery of the service can be modernised. We are committed to ensuring that a truly integrated and customer- focused service is provided to people who are among the most vulnerable in our society," said Mr Dodds.