Committee Hears Concerns on Social Development

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Social Development held an event today to give charities and groups from across Northern Ireland the chance to raise their concerns on topics such as welfare reform and the credit crunch, disability issues, housing association procurement and volunteering.

Simon Hamilton MLA, Chairperson of the Committee said “The Committee for Social Development has responsibility for a wide range of issues including housing, social security and pensions. With the large volume of Bills being looked at by the Committee, there are fewer opportunities for us to hear directly from groups and individuals affected by these issues.

“The Committee is keen to reach out, hear people’s views and discuss the issues concerning them. This is the fourth event we have organised like this. They are a useful way of bringing people and the Committee together. Today we heard how important volunteers are to charities and community groups, the procurement challenges facing the Housing Associations and the impact of planning on the social economy.

“What we hear today will inform the work of this Committee and quite possibly the Committee in the next mandate.