'THINK' POLICY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2020
The Advice NI Policy Team is delighted to publish our September edition of our policy eNewsletter ‘THINK’.
This edition has a wide range of issues including a mitigations update, Breathing Space update, update in relation to safeguarding in both NI and GB, a range of benefit statistics including Universal Credit and PIP, National Insurance number: Application update, Covid-19 update, latest Assembly and Parliamentary Questions … and much, much more.
Looking back – the Advice NI Policy Team have made submissions to a range of consultations including the PIP2 Review in NI and produced a range of Briefing Papers including on Universal Basic Income. Looking ahead we will facilitate meetings between the frontline and The Appeals Service and Universal Credit; plus we have a number of Briefing Papers are in the pipeline – including a paper on safeguarding.
As ever, please email us at policy@adviceni.net to discuss any policy matters, content, feedback or comments. We would be happy to share ideas on areas to focus on, content suggestions and other ways of getting involved.
Best regards,
The Policy Team,
0800 915 4604
Email: advice@adviceni.net
‘I absolutely intend to introduce primary legislation to amend the Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015 to provide for an extension of welfare mitigation payments for people affected by the so-called bedroom tax. A draft Bill has been shared with my Executive colleagues, and I am personally committed to securing agreement to proceed as a matter of urgency.’
Click here to read the report.
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy, Advice NI:
‘I commend continuing efforts of @CommunitiesNI Minister @CaralNiChuilin in relation to the NI welfare mitigations. Also the cross-party support shown on this issue. Hopeful of progress on: bedroom tax; benefit cap; 2 child cap’
Professor Eileen Evason, BA., MSSc., CBE. Emeritus Professor:
“I am pleased and relieved to see the Minister for Communities and the Executive are taking steps to maintain our strategy for protecting the most vulnerable in our society. Whilst it might have been hoped that the need for the strategy we established in 2016 to protect people in Northern Ireland from the worst aspects of welfare reform would diminish over time, this has not happened. In fact, we face a rising tide of unemployment and poverty as measures to help people cope with the current COVID crisis come to an end. We are also facing fresh uncertainty with regard to BREXIT. We must keep the bedroom tax out of Northern Ireland and protect those on low incomes and with disability. To protect families, we must retain our mitigation of the benefit cap and scrap the two child provisions in our benefits system. We continue to need our independent advice structure and I urge people to support our food banks.”
https://twitter.com/KevinHiggins27/status/1304049261567504387
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/node/46288
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/child-poverty-strategy
The 60-day breathing space period will see enforcement action from creditors halted and interest frozen for people with problem debt. During this period, individuals will receive professional debt advice to find a long-term solution to their financial difficulties. Those people receiving mental health crisis treatment will receive the same protections until their treatment is complete. [2]
When asked for an update, DfC stated: We have now received Ministerial agreement for officials to scope out work for the delivery and implementation of a regional Breathing Space Scheme. The implementation of this debt respite scheme will have impacts across various Government departments both for delivery and implementation and therefore there shall be ongoing discussions with HMT and these departments. No word on time scales at this stage. However we will keep you appraised of any progress.
With furlough ending Advice NI feels that job loss and debt will be big issues moving forward, and the Breathing Space scheme could be a lifeline for many people. Advice NI would urge that the Department make every effort to hasten the introduction of a regional Breathing Space Scheme in NI.
Draft regulations [England & Wales]
[1] https://www.icas.com/professional-resources/insolvency/breathing-space-s...
[2] https://www.yourmoney.com/credit-cards-loans/breathing-space-draft-regul...
The Minister made the commitment in response to the first report from an independent review commissioned to examine the health and social care system’s response to care failings at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
The report proposes eight actions, including establishing an Adult Safeguarding / Adult Protection Change programme and an Adult Safeguarding / Protection Bill.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I am committed to making lasting improvements in adult safeguarding and my Department will begin immediately to deliver on the recommendations set out in this report. I can confirm that this will include legislative reform. I intend to consult on a range of legislative options before Christmas to inform the development of an Adult Safeguarding Bill.”
In line with the Review’s recommendations, the Minister confirmed that plans include standing down the Northern Ireland Adult Safeguarding Partnership (NIASP) in a move towards the establishment of an Independent Adult Safeguarding Board at arms-length from the Department.
Advice NI will be releasing a Safeguarding Update briefing paper shortly.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2020/192/made[/embed]
UK Regional Variations
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/universal-credit-statistics
COVID-19 Universal Credit Management Information
The Northern Ireland Universal Credit Quarterly Report is the official source for Universal Credit statistics in Northern Ireland. These statistics are classified as experimental statistics and in order to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality, trustworthiness and public value they are published at a 3 month lag from the time period to which they refer.
Click here to read more.
The number of new PIP claims in Northern Ireland reduced by more than 50 per cent in May 2020 compared to same month last year; there were 1,100 registrations for new claims, 43 per cent of the total a year earlier.
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/personal-independence-payment...
Benefits Statistics Summary Publication
Summary:
Benefit Cap Statistics May 2020
Bulletin Jan-Jun 2020
TAS are working towards resumption of face to face hearings however we will not be in the position to resume to the same degree as we were pre-COVID; we will have to reduce the number of hearings in order that the government guidelines are followed. We are content to conduct demos of the technology in advance to allay any fears. We aim to commence hearings using technology options with effect from September 2020.”
In light of public health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Ireland’s president of Tribunals and The Appeals Service (TAS) have suspended all in-person oral tribunal hearings until further notice…in the long-term, remote hearings may function as an effective tool to make hearings more accessible to people who have difficulty accessing the justice system, such as rural populations and persons with disabilities. However, there are a number of challenges associated with the rapid introduction of remote digital appeals.
Universal Credit getting to first payment
NAO evident to Work & Pensions Committee, 2 September 2020
DfC: A National Insurance Number is required when you make a claim for social security benefits, apply for a student loan. It is also used as a reference number by HMRC Pay As You Earn system. This ensures National Insurance contributions and tax paid are properly recorded against an individual’s name.
The normal process of applying for a National Insurance number requires a face-to-face interview as it includes verification of identification documents. Due to the pandemic these interviews which are carried in our Jobs & Benefits offices have been suspended since mid-March as offices were initially closed and have only just reopened to deal with emergency situations. Contingency arrangements are in place during the pandemic as we are carrying out telephony interviews for benefit inspired National Insurance numbers, as this is required to claim benefits. We use information provided by the person on their claim and information already held on our benefit systems to verify identity.
In NI and GB employment related National Insurance number applications interviews remain suspended, as you can start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. There is a postal application process in place for individuals who enter into the UK on a visa; this does not require a face-to-face interview. These applications have therefore been able to continue as normal as identification can be verified via the Home Office visa application process.
At this stage, no date here or in GB when face-to-face applications for a National Insurance numbers will be restarted. However, DWP has recently been working on a digitalised process for obtaining a National Insurance number. It is anticipated this will be in place by the end of this year, and will include DfC.
Click here to view the Commons Library Briefing Paper,
In force from 26 August 2020, the Statutory Sick Pay (General) (Coronavirus Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.186/2020) provide that a person is entitled to statutory sick pay if they -
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-stopcovid-ni-p...
STOPCOVID NI 'easy explainer' guide
There is an 'easy explainer' guide, which outlines information about how the app works, how to download it and how it protects your data, that is available as PDF to download.
Anyone who develops the symptoms of COVID-19 is advised to immediately self-isolate for 10 days and to arrange to be tested without delay.
There are a number of ways a person with symptoms of the virus can get tested in Northern Ireland. These are:
The document will help you understand what you should do if there is a Coronavirus outbreak in your work, or if you begin to feel unwell yourself. It helps you understand what your rights are as an employee, but also what responsibilities you might have and what you should expect your employer to do.
For free, tailored advice on any of the issues discussed in this FAQ or any other aspect of employment law, please call (028) 9024 4401 and ask to speak to an employment adviser, or alternatively email employmentadvice@lawcentreni.org.
Click here to read more on the Law Centre website.
The first addresses the needs of blind and partially sighted people specifically. It covers a range of issues including guiding and mask wearing. The second, is aimed at raising awareness among the wider public and service providers and offers tips on how to support blind and partially sighted people, to resume their everyday activities.
[1] NI Guidance on Social Distancing if you are Blind or Partially Sighted - PDF & Word Document
[2] NI Social Distancing Guidelines - how you can support Blind and Partially Sighted people PDF & Word Document
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on schools, colleges and universities
Latest Updates for Further Education, Colleges and Universities
https://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/coronavirus/vulnerable
Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work:
I would like to update the House on the Department’s plans to implement the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v. MM, known as MM1, into the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process.
The Supreme Court judgment concerned the definition of “social support”, when engaging with other people face to face, in activity 9 of the PIP regulations, and how far in advance that support can be provided. I set out to the House on 23 July 2019 that we would carefully consider the full judgment before updating the House on our implementation plans. We have worked hard to implement the judgment quickly, but given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our staff resources and services, this has taken longer than we would have liked. We have also consulted Mind, the mental health charity, who intervened in the Supreme Court case.
We have now made the necessary changes to the way PIP Activity 9 is assessed and these are reflected in revisions to the PIP Assessment Guidance (PIPAG) published today on GOV.UK.
Despite the challenges, all DWP staff and Healthcare Professionals working for our Assessment Providers have been trained to apply the judgment. DWP will be applying the changes to all decisions from today. A FAQ will be deposited in the House library. On 23 July 2019, I also confirmed that the Department would be undertaking an administrative exercise to check whether claimants are entitled to more PIP as a result of the judgment. This is a complicated exercise and we are still planning our approach. This will be a substantial undertaking and will take some time.
I also want to update the House on the administration of Severe Disability Premium Transitional Payments (SDP). On 22 July 2019, we laid legislation to provide additional financial support for former SDP recipients who had moved to Universal Credit on account of a change of circumstances. As at 17 January 2020, we had already paid over 15,000 people, totalling more than £51.5 million.
The UC (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 provide for the conversion of these transitional payments into transitional elements. This means that payments will be made through the UC system rather than manually, and all transitional protection will be subject to the same rules. I will be signing a Determination setting the conversion day to 8 October 2020 and will place a copy in the library. This is when the UC system will have capacity to convert SDP transitional payments to transitional elements.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/202...
There have been new extensions to the Access to Work scheme in England: which includes fast-track funding for specialist equipment if working from home.
Can you tell me if the same extensions will be applied to the Access to Work scheme in Northern Ireland?
DfC: I write in relation to your query about the Access to Work Scheme.
Applications are dealt with in date order; there is no facility to fast-track the process.
The scheme in GB is totally separate from ATW NI; therefore there are differences in the way in which the programmes are delivered.
The Access to Work NI Scheme is designed to assist all clients who have a disability to reach their full potential in the workplace. Elements include travel to and from work, Special aids and equipment and/or physical support in the workplace. This includes clients who are now working from home. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis.
Therefore if you have any further queries do not hesitate to contact our branch mailbox again at Health&WorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Northern Ireland Guidance for People Receiving Direct Payments was published by my Department on 3 August 2020 and can be accessed at this link.
This new guidance sets out how direct payments can be utilised to best support service users during the pandemic. It also asks Health and Social Care Trusts to apply a degree of flex in respect of those payments – however they must be linked to the agreed outcome. Furthermore, I recently approved additional funding of up to £500k to enable the HSC Trusts to mitigate those additional costs necessarily incurred by direct payment users during the period April to June 2020.
The current legislative priority for children from socially disadvantaged circumstances needs to be amended in the context of the roll out of Universal Credit. I can confirm that I plan to bring forward amendments to the current legislation and am looking at ways of bringing working families on low incomes within the scope of the prioritisation criteria. While there was not sufficient time, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, to effect legislative change prior to the pre-school admissions process this year, subject to the outcome of public consultation and engagement with Executive colleagues, I intend to implement the necessary changes ahead of the 2022/23 academic year.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of homeless people in our society is a cross-government issue. The Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) have statutory responsibility for homelessness and contractual arrangements with Homeless Sector Organisations. The Health and Social Care Board has directed NIHE, in its coronavirus contingency planning forums, to ensure that the health and social care needs of homeless people are considered.
Guidance for homeless providers in Northern Ireland was recently developed in consultation with the Department for Communities and published on the Department’s website on 20 March.
Annex A
Personal Independent Payment Appeal Receipts
Of which:
*At this time there was a transition from DLA to PIP which was introduced on 20 June 2016.
** For the period April 2020 – June 2020 Appeal hearings were suspended due to COVID-19PQs
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress her Department has made on its Safeguarding Policy Review which was due for completion in Autumn 2019.
It would be inappropriate to comment on the Safeguarding review due to current legal proceedings. However, as part of our commitment to improving vulnerable customers’ experience with the Department; we currently have 10 Senior Safeguarding Leaders in place and plan to have 25 in place by Autumn. They will work across all services and with key partners to support and deliver a consistent service to vulnerable customers. We have also established the Customer Experience Directorate to co-ordinate policy development, guidance and learning as well as monitor the implementation of change. – Justin TomlinsonPaper/Telephone PIP/DLA Assessment
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to continue (a) paper and (b) telephone assessments for (i) personal independence payment and (ii) disability living allowance after the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.
Paper based assessments of entitlement to Disability Living Allowance have always been offered in preference to other forms of assessment and will continue as normal. Paper based assessments have also always been a feature of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Face-to-face assessment are currently suspended and are being kept under review. We will be considering the next steps for PIP assessments and how we could re-introduce face-to-face assessments when it is safe and operationally feasible to do so, our key priority being the health and safety of our claimants and our staff. – Justin Tomlinson
Paper/Telephone WCA
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to develop (a) paper and (b) telephone versions of work capability assessments; and if she will make a statement.
Paper based reviews have always been a feature of Work Capability Assessments. Wherever possible, if there is sufficient evidence available, our Assessment Provider will make a recommendation based on a paper-based review. If this is not possible, our provider will currently look to offer a telephone assessment, where appropriate. We remain fully committed to making continuous improvements to the support we provide to people with health conditions and disabilities, and are evaluating the changes temporarily introduced to inform the approach taken to conducting assessments in the future. – Justin TomlinsonSMI
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to amend the 36 week eligibility requirement for Support for Mortgage Interest payments to support people struggling with mortgage payments due to the covid-19 outbreak.
The Department has no plans to amend the qualifying period for Support for Mortgage Interest. Home owners struggling with mortgage repayments because of COVID-19 should contact their lender as soon as possible to discuss what support might be available. – Mims Davies,
Email: advice@adviceni.net
Looking back – the Advice NI Policy Team have made submissions to a range of consultations including the PIP2 Review in NI and produced a range of Briefing Papers including on Universal Basic Income. Looking ahead we will facilitate meetings between the frontline and The Appeals Service and Universal Credit; plus we have a number of Briefing Papers are in the pipeline – including a paper on safeguarding.
As ever, please email us at policy@adviceni.net to discuss any policy matters, content, feedback or comments. We would be happy to share ideas on areas to focus on, content suggestions and other ways of getting involved.
Best regards,
The Policy Team,
Latest News
Advice NI New Single Helpline
Advice NI’s new single helpline number for all our advice services is:0800 915 4604
Email: advice@adviceni.net
Mitigations Extension
Minister for Communities, Ms Ní Chuilín:‘I absolutely intend to introduce primary legislation to amend the Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015 to provide for an extension of welfare mitigation payments for people affected by the so-called bedroom tax. A draft Bill has been shared with my Executive colleagues, and I am personally committed to securing agreement to proceed as a matter of urgency.’
Click here to read the report.
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy, Advice NI:
‘I commend continuing efforts of @CommunitiesNI Minister @CaralNiChuilin in relation to the NI welfare mitigations. Also the cross-party support shown on this issue. Hopeful of progress on: bedroom tax; benefit cap; 2 child cap’
Professor Eileen Evason, BA., MSSc., CBE. Emeritus Professor:
“I am pleased and relieved to see the Minister for Communities and the Executive are taking steps to maintain our strategy for protecting the most vulnerable in our society. Whilst it might have been hoped that the need for the strategy we established in 2016 to protect people in Northern Ireland from the worst aspects of welfare reform would diminish over time, this has not happened. In fact, we face a rising tide of unemployment and poverty as measures to help people cope with the current COVID crisis come to an end. We are also facing fresh uncertainty with regard to BREXIT. We must keep the bedroom tax out of Northern Ireland and protect those on low incomes and with disability. To protect families, we must retain our mitigation of the benefit cap and scrap the two child provisions in our benefits system. We continue to need our independent advice structure and I urge people to support our food banks.”
https://twitter.com/KevinHiggins27/status/1304049261567504387
Extension to Child Poverty Strategy
Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced an extension to the term of the Executive’s Child Poverty Strategy 2016 -2019 to May 2022: “Child Poverty continues to be a major concern and helping those most vulnerable and in need remains a priority. Child Poverty does not just affect a young person’s childhood, it can also have a major impact on their future. This extended term will allow time for key stakeholders to be consulted on whether the anti-poverty strategy, which will include all age groups, is sufficient or whether in addition the development of a child poverty strategy is required.”https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/node/46288
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/child-poverty-strategy
Update on Breathing Space Scheme N.I.
The implementation of a breathing space scheme in England and Wales was a 2017 government manifesto commitment and was subject to a consultation which ran from October 2018 until January 2019. [1]The 60-day breathing space period will see enforcement action from creditors halted and interest frozen for people with problem debt. During this period, individuals will receive professional debt advice to find a long-term solution to their financial difficulties. Those people receiving mental health crisis treatment will receive the same protections until their treatment is complete. [2]
When asked for an update, DfC stated: We have now received Ministerial agreement for officials to scope out work for the delivery and implementation of a regional Breathing Space Scheme. The implementation of this debt respite scheme will have impacts across various Government departments both for delivery and implementation and therefore there shall be ongoing discussions with HMT and these departments. No word on time scales at this stage. However we will keep you appraised of any progress.
With furlough ending Advice NI feels that job loss and debt will be big issues moving forward, and the Breathing Space scheme could be a lifeline for many people. Advice NI would urge that the Department make every effort to hasten the introduction of a regional Breathing Space Scheme in NI.
Draft regulations [England & Wales]
[1] https://www.icas.com/professional-resources/insolvency/breathing-space-s...
[2] https://www.yourmoney.com/credit-cards-loans/breathing-space-draft-regul...
Minister announces plans for Adult Safeguarding Bill for Northern Ireland
Health Minister Robin Swann has pledged to bring forward a new Adult Safeguarding Bill for Northern Ireland, to help protect care home residents and other vulnerable members of society.The Minister made the commitment in response to the first report from an independent review commissioned to examine the health and social care system’s response to care failings at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
The report proposes eight actions, including establishing an Adult Safeguarding / Adult Protection Change programme and an Adult Safeguarding / Protection Bill.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I am committed to making lasting improvements in adult safeguarding and my Department will begin immediately to deliver on the recommendations set out in this report. I can confirm that this will include legislative reform. I intend to consult on a range of legislative options before Christmas to inform the development of an Adult Safeguarding Bill.”
In line with the Review’s recommendations, the Minister confirmed that plans include standing down the Northern Ireland Adult Safeguarding Partnership (NIASP) in a move towards the establishment of an Independent Adult Safeguarding Board at arms-length from the Department.
Advice NI will be releasing a Safeguarding Update briefing paper shortly.
Measures to protect private tenants in Northern Ireland from eviction extended to 31 March 2021
New regulations have been issued in Northern Ireland in relation to the temporary extension of the notice to quit period for private tenants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In force from 29 September 2020, the Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.192/2020) amend section 1(2)(b) of the Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act (Northern Ireland) 2020 to extend the period where landlords are required to provide private tenants with a 12-week notice to quit period before seeking a court order to begin proceedings to evict from 30 September 2020 to 31 March 2021.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2020/192/made[/embed]
Labour Market Report September 2020
- Northern Ireland has the lowest employment rate of UK regions;
- It has the highest economic inactivity rate of all UK regions;
- Those under 35 years old are feeling the brunt of job losses;
- Unemployment for those aged 16 to 24 is now estimated at 8.2%;
- Almost 37% of people who were employed were working fewer hours than normal;
- There were 820 confirmed redundancies in August and 3,880 confirmed redundancies in the 12 months to the end of August. That is more than double the previous year.
UK Regional Variations
Universal Credit Statistics
March and April 2020 saw the number of claims reach 35,440 and 20,560 respectively, with the number of claims in May 2020, at 10,070, still higher than previous levels. The Dept. states: 'On 20 March 2020, the government announced a temporary increase of £1,000 to the universal credit standard allowance for one year, increasing the amount of earnings a household could receive before their universal cred it award is reduced to nil. Moreover, the self-employed who are temporarily without income due to the government’s ‘stay at home’ restrictions, and people and households with COVID-19 or following the government requirements to isolate and not eligible for statutory sick pay may also claim universal credit. People who are furloughed and on a low income may also qualify.'https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/universal-credit-statistics
COVID-19 Universal Credit Management Information
The Northern Ireland Universal Credit Quarterly Report is the official source for Universal Credit statistics in Northern Ireland. These statistics are classified as experimental statistics and in order to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality, trustworthiness and public value they are published at a 3 month lag from the time period to which they refer.
Click here to read more.
Personal Independence Payment Statistics
These statistics reflect the position up to 31 May 2020. The number of new claims and mandatory reconsideration requests for personal independence payment (PIP) reduced significantly in the initial period of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.The number of new PIP claims in Northern Ireland reduced by more than 50 per cent in May 2020 compared to same month last year; there were 1,100 registrations for new claims, 43 per cent of the total a year earlier.
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/personal-independence-payment...
Benefits Statistics Summary Publication (National Statistics) - May 2020
The Benefits Statistics Summary is released quarterly in the last week of February, May, August and November.Benefits Statistics Summary Publication
HBAI NI Report
The Households Below Average Income for Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) report presents information on living standards in Northern Ireland based on household income measures for the 2018/19 financial year. Note: These figures are pre-covid.Summary:
- Average Income decreasing
- Income inequality increasing
- % of individuals in low income households increasing
Benefit Cap Statistics - May 2020
In Benefit Cap Statistics - May 2020, published today, the Department says that a total of 1,890 households had their benefits capped in May 2020 (up from 1,330 in February 2020) and that, of these, 930 were housing benefit capped households and 960 were universal credit capped households. The Department also highlights that May 2020 was the first month that the number of capped households under universal credit outnumbered the number of capped households under housing benefit, and comments that - 'The number of universal credit capped households has increased significantly from March 2020 to May 2020, as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the universal credit caseload.'Benefit Cap Statistics May 2020
N.I. Homelessness Bulletin
This has been developed by the Department for Communities (DfC), Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). This bulletin presents a biannual summary of homelessness statistics in Northern Ireland.In this document you will find quick and concise coverage of the most up-to-date statistics available. More in depth statistics and information on methodology can be found in the accompanying tables and documents.Bulletin Jan-Jun 2020
Courts & Tribunal Service Update
“Re: the hearing choice letter TAS had sent to appellants to offer them a choice of hearing type, you will recall this was followed up with a letter to some appellants whose response wasn’t 100% clear. Given the on-going crisis and with no end in sight, TAS intends to write to those appellants who opted for a face to face hearing to again offer them the option of an oral hearing using technology; paper determination or await a face to face when it is safe to do so.TAS are working towards resumption of face to face hearings however we will not be in the position to resume to the same degree as we were pre-COVID; we will have to reduce the number of hearings in order that the government guidelines are followed. We are content to conduct demos of the technology in advance to allay any fears. We aim to commence hearings using technology options with effect from September 2020.”
In light of public health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Ireland’s president of Tribunals and The Appeals Service (TAS) have suspended all in-person oral tribunal hearings until further notice…in the long-term, remote hearings may function as an effective tool to make hearings more accessible to people who have difficulty accessing the justice system, such as rural populations and persons with disabilities. However, there are a number of challenges associated with the rapid introduction of remote digital appeals.
NAO Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment Report
This report sets out what the Department was doing well in managing the process of getting to first payment, and where it had room to improve, before the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes consideration of the reasons for late payments and risks to maintaining performance as the caseload grows. Points 20,21, and 22 in the report, discuss what support is available for vulnerable claimants. The NAO states: “Vulnerable people may be particularly likely to struggle with their claim. The Department needs to better understand and address the needs of vulnerable people and those with more complex claims, who may be at greater risk of struggling under the Universal Credit regime.”Universal Credit getting to first payment
NAO evident to Work & Pensions Committee, 2 September 2020
National Insurance number: Application update
DfC: A National Insurance Number is required when you make a claim for social security benefits, apply for a student loan. It is also used as a reference number by HMRC Pay As You Earn system. This ensures National Insurance contributions and tax paid are properly recorded against an individual’s name.
The normal process of applying for a National Insurance number requires a face-to-face interview as it includes verification of identification documents. Due to the pandemic these interviews which are carried in our Jobs & Benefits offices have been suspended since mid-March as offices were initially closed and have only just reopened to deal with emergency situations. Contingency arrangements are in place during the pandemic as we are carrying out telephony interviews for benefit inspired National Insurance numbers, as this is required to claim benefits. We use information provided by the person on their claim and information already held on our benefit systems to verify identity.
In NI and GB employment related National Insurance number applications interviews remain suspended, as you can start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. There is a postal application process in place for individuals who enter into the UK on a visa; this does not require a face-to-face interview. These applications have therefore been able to continue as normal as identification can be verified via the Home Office visa application process.
At this stage, no date here or in GB when face-to-face applications for a National Insurance numbers will be restarted. However, DWP has recently been working on a digitalised process for obtaining a National Insurance number. It is anticipated this will be in place by the end of this year, and will include DfC.
Accessing benefits with terminal illness
This Commons Library Briefing Paper explores the history of the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI), how they work in practice, the debate that surrounds them, and looks at recent developments in Scotland and the wider UK.Click here to view the Commons Library Briefing Paper,
Covid Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19): regulations and localised restrictions
Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, additional restrictions have been introduced for people living in certain areas. These are aimed at limiting the chances for the virus to spread between households. This page contains information on what you can and cannot do if you live in an affected area.Extension of SSP eligibility in Northern Ireland to people who are self-isolating prior to being admitted to hospital for planned or elective surgery
New regulations have been issued to extend eligibility for statutory sick pay. This is for people where they are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus prior to being admitted to hospital for planned or elective surgery.In force from 26 August 2020, the Statutory Sick Pay (General) (Coronavirus Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.186/2020) provide that a person is entitled to statutory sick pay if they -
- have been notified that they are to undergo a surgical or other hospital procedure;
- have been advised to stay at home for a period of up to 14 days prior to being admitted to hospital for that procedure; and
- stay at home pursuant to that advice.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): face coverings
Since 10 August the use of face coverings in certain indoor settings, such as shops or shopping centres, has been mandatory. You must also wear a face covering on public transport.https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings
(COVID-19): StopCOVID NI Proximity App
The App has been designed to assist in stopping the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, by anonymously contacting people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-stopcovid-ni-p...
STOPCOVID NI 'easy explainer' guide
There is an 'easy explainer' guide, which outlines information about how the app works, how to download it and how it protects your data, that is available as PDF to download.
How to Get Tested
The advice from the Public Health Agency is that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five. You can complete an online form at this link to find out if you should or should not get tested, and if you should, what type of test you will need.Anyone who develops the symptoms of COVID-19 is advised to immediately self-isolate for 10 days and to arrange to be tested without delay.
There are a number of ways a person with symptoms of the virus can get tested in Northern Ireland. These are:
- booking a test online at a drive through test site or a mobile testing unit
- order a postal self-test kit online
- calling the free phone number 119
Coronavirus Outbreak At Work – What Are My Rights?
The Law Centre NI employment hub has published a new frequently asked questions document to help employees understand their rights and responsibilities in the event of a Coronavirus outbreak at work.The document will help you understand what you should do if there is a Coronavirus outbreak in your work, or if you begin to feel unwell yourself. It helps you understand what your rights are as an employee, but also what responsibilities you might have and what you should expect your employer to do.
For free, tailored advice on any of the issues discussed in this FAQ or any other aspect of employment law, please call (028) 9024 4401 and ask to speak to an employment adviser, or alternatively email employmentadvice@lawcentreni.org.
Click here to read more on the Law Centre website.
Guidance on social distancing for blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland
The guidelines have been produced in conjunction with colleagues in the Public Health Agency, the Health and Social Care Board and Trust Sensory Support Teams. There are two documents each available in PDF or Word format.The first addresses the needs of blind and partially sighted people specifically. It covers a range of issues including guiding and mask wearing. The second, is aimed at raising awareness among the wider public and service providers and offers tips on how to support blind and partially sighted people, to resume their everyday activities.
[1] NI Guidance on Social Distancing if you are Blind or Partially Sighted - PDF & Word Document
[2] NI Social Distancing Guidelines - how you can support Blind and Partially Sighted people PDF & Word Document
Schools Reopening
The Department of Education has published new guidance setting out how schools should plan for the new school day and is available here.Special School Guidance
This guidance has been developed for special school education settings, to support a safe, phased reopening of special school education settings in line with the Northern Ireland Executive's "Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision-Making” published on 12 May 2020. It should be read within the context of the overarching guidance "Northern Ireland Re-opening School Guidance - New School Day".Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on schools, colleges and universities
Latest Updates for Further Education, Colleges and Universities
New Funding for Businesses and Charities
A new £400,000 funding pot is being made available by Belfast City Council to help businesses, social enterprises and charities adapt their premises and introduce measures to allow for social distancing.
The council agreed the scheme as part of its Covid-19 recovery plans, made possible with an initial Covid-19 Revitalisation funding allocation of £1.338m from the Department for Communities and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, awarded to council to support city revitalisation and recovery. Under the scheme, grants of £500 up to a maximum of £2,500 will be made available to eligible businesses, social enterprises and charities in the Belfast City Council area.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/News/New-funding-to-help-Belfast-organisa...
Coronavirus: Vulnerable Consumers
Additional advice for vulnerable consumershttps://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/coronavirus/vulnerable
Disability Benefits Operational Update
Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work:
I would like to update the House on the Department’s plans to implement the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v. MM, known as MM1, into the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process.
The Supreme Court judgment concerned the definition of “social support”, when engaging with other people face to face, in activity 9 of the PIP regulations, and how far in advance that support can be provided. I set out to the House on 23 July 2019 that we would carefully consider the full judgment before updating the House on our implementation plans. We have worked hard to implement the judgment quickly, but given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our staff resources and services, this has taken longer than we would have liked. We have also consulted Mind, the mental health charity, who intervened in the Supreme Court case.
We have now made the necessary changes to the way PIP Activity 9 is assessed and these are reflected in revisions to the PIP Assessment Guidance (PIPAG) published today on GOV.UK.
Despite the challenges, all DWP staff and Healthcare Professionals working for our Assessment Providers have been trained to apply the judgment. DWP will be applying the changes to all decisions from today. A FAQ will be deposited in the House library. On 23 July 2019, I also confirmed that the Department would be undertaking an administrative exercise to check whether claimants are entitled to more PIP as a result of the judgment. This is a complicated exercise and we are still planning our approach. This will be a substantial undertaking and will take some time.
I also want to update the House on the administration of Severe Disability Premium Transitional Payments (SDP). On 22 July 2019, we laid legislation to provide additional financial support for former SDP recipients who had moved to Universal Credit on account of a change of circumstances. As at 17 January 2020, we had already paid over 15,000 people, totalling more than £51.5 million.
The UC (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 provide for the conversion of these transitional payments into transitional elements. This means that payments will be made through the UC system rather than manually, and all transitional protection will be subject to the same rules. I will be signing a Determination setting the conversion day to 8 October 2020 and will place a copy in the library. This is when the UC system will have capacity to convert SDP transitional payments to transitional elements.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/202...
Advice NI asked:
There have been new extensions to the Access to Work scheme in England: which includes fast-track funding for specialist equipment if working from home.
Can you tell me if the same extensions will be applied to the Access to Work scheme in Northern Ireland?
DfC: I write in relation to your query about the Access to Work Scheme.
Applications are dealt with in date order; there is no facility to fast-track the process.
The scheme in GB is totally separate from ATW NI; therefore there are differences in the way in which the programmes are delivered.
The Access to Work NI Scheme is designed to assist all clients who have a disability to reach their full potential in the workplace. Elements include travel to and from work, Special aids and equipment and/or physical support in the workplace. This includes clients who are now working from home. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis.
Therefore if you have any further queries do not hesitate to contact our branch mailbox again at Health&WorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk
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Assembly Questions
AQW 6094/17-22 Ms Martina Anderson (SF - Foyle) 28/08/20
To ask the Minister of Health, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether he intends to introduce measures to ensure that parents caring for children with disability who are in receipt of direct payments can experience flexibility in how these payments can be used.The Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Northern Ireland Guidance for People Receiving Direct Payments was published by my Department on 3 August 2020 and can be accessed at this link.
This new guidance sets out how direct payments can be utilised to best support service users during the pandemic. It also asks Health and Social Care Trusts to apply a degree of flex in respect of those payments – however they must be linked to the agreed outcome. Furthermore, I recently approved additional funding of up to £500k to enable the HSC Trusts to mitigate those additional costs necessarily incurred by direct payment users during the period April to June 2020.
AQW 6058/17-22 Mr Colin McGrath (SDLP - South Down) 28/08/2020
To ask the Minister of Education (i) whether it is still his intention to amend legislation surrounding socially disadvantaged circumstances to bring working families with a low income within the scope of prioritisation criteria; and (ii) when will he bring this legislation forward.The current legislative priority for children from socially disadvantaged circumstances needs to be amended in the context of the roll out of Universal Credit. I can confirm that I plan to bring forward amendments to the current legislation and am looking at ways of bringing working families on low incomes within the scope of the prioritisation criteria. While there was not sufficient time, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, to effect legislative change prior to the pre-school admissions process this year, subject to the outcome of public consultation and engagement with Executive colleagues, I intend to implement the necessary changes ahead of the 2022/23 academic year.
AQW 3376/17-22 Mr Mark Durkan (SDLP - Foyle)
To ask the Minister of Health what guidance his Department has provided to homeless sector organisations on coronavirus, including on self-isolation for homeless people and access to wash facilities.Protecting the health and wellbeing of homeless people in our society is a cross-government issue. The Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) have statutory responsibility for homelessness and contractual arrangements with Homeless Sector Organisations. The Health and Social Care Board has directed NIHE, in its coronavirus contingency planning forums, to ensure that the health and social care needs of homeless people are considered.
Guidance for homeless providers in Northern Ireland was recently developed in consultation with the Department for Communities and published on the Department’s website on 20 March.
AQW 5577/17-22 Mr Keith Buchanan (DUP - Mid Ulster)
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful Personal Independent Payment appeals in Mid Ulster, in each year since its introduction.Annex A
Personal Independent Payment Appeal Receipts
Of which:
*At this time there was a transition from DLA to PIP which was introduced on 20 June 2016.
** For the period April 2020 – June 2020 Appeal hearings were suspended due to COVID-19
PQs
Safeguarding Review
Q 77585 Lilian Greenwood (Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress her Department has made on its Safeguarding Policy Review which was due for completion in Autumn 2019.It would be inappropriate to comment on the Safeguarding review due to current legal proceedings. However, as part of our commitment to improving vulnerable customers’ experience with the Department; we currently have 10 Senior Safeguarding Leaders in place and plan to have 25 in place by Autumn. They will work across all services and with key partners to support and deliver a consistent service to vulnerable customers. We have also established the Customer Experience Directorate to co-ordinate policy development, guidance and learning as well as monitor the implementation of change. – Justin Tomlinson
Paper/Telephone PIP/DLA Assessment
Q 77500 Stephen Timms (Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to continue (a) paper and (b) telephone assessments for (i) personal independence payment and (ii) disability living allowance after the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.Paper based assessments of entitlement to Disability Living Allowance have always been offered in preference to other forms of assessment and will continue as normal. Paper based assessments have also always been a feature of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Face-to-face assessment are currently suspended and are being kept under review. We will be considering the next steps for PIP assessments and how we could re-introduce face-to-face assessments when it is safe and operationally feasible to do so, our key priority being the health and safety of our claimants and our staff. – Justin Tomlinson
Paper/Telephone WCA
Q77501 Stephen Timms (Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to develop (a) paper and (b) telephone versions of work capability assessments; and if she will make a statement.Paper based reviews have always been a feature of Work Capability Assessments. Wherever possible, if there is sufficient evidence available, our Assessment Provider will make a recommendation based on a paper-based review. If this is not possible, our provider will currently look to offer a telephone assessment, where appropriate. We remain fully committed to making continuous improvements to the support we provide to people with health conditions and disabilities, and are evaluating the changes temporarily introduced to inform the approach taken to conducting assessments in the future. – Justin Tomlinson
SMI
Q 84286 Carol Monaghan (Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to amend the 36 week eligibility requirement for Support for Mortgage Interest payments to support people struggling with mortgage payments due to the covid-19 outbreak.The Department has no plans to amend the qualifying period for Support for Mortgage Interest. Home owners struggling with mortgage repayments because of COVID-19 should contact their lender as soon as possible to discuss what support might be available. – Mims Davies,
Useful Information
Advice NI’s new single helpline number for all our advice services is 0800 915 4604Email: advice@adviceni.net