Written Ministerial Statement

Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Fisheries and Water Environment Bill

To give effect to modernised fisheries policies in Northern Ireland. It will introduce policies aimed at protecting fisheries and the aquatic environment, strengthening regulatory powers to enhance enforcement, deter non-compliance, and support the delivery of key initiatives such as the Lough Neagh Action Plan, the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), and the Programme for Government (PfG).

Department for Communities

NI Debt Respite Scheme

To establish and implement a NI Debt Respite Scheme and to ensure legal protections are in place for debtors requiring 'a breathing space' from credit enforcement.

Housing Miscellaneous

To implement two proposals linked to anti-social behaviour arising from the Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations (eligibility for social housing or Full Duty homelessness status); and proposals relating to injunctions against unacceptable behaviour and Absolute Grounds for Possession arising from a cross-Departmental, multi-agency Delivery Group established by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to review anti-social behaviour legislation

Pension (Parity) Bill

The Westminster Pension Schemes Bill 2025 is intended to create a pensions landscape that offers better value and protection for members, with fewer, more effective schemes. The agreement of the Assembly will be sought to a LCM for the extension of certain provisions of the DWP Bill, including those relating to terminal illness and the Pensions Ombudsman.

In order to maintain parity in accordance with section 87 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and to help to maintain a single system of pensions across the UK it is intended to introduce a corresponding NI Bill to ensure that pension savers and providers in NI benefit from the other measures in the DWP Bill.

Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Debt) (Parity Bill)

A Westminster Bill will provide new powers to allow DWP to legislate for data gathering measures and enable them to conduct search and seizure activity in relation to fraudulent activity in the welfare system. It is expected that the Bill will not extend to NI and corresponding legislative provisions will therefore be required.

Charities Amendment

To amend the Charities Act (NI) 2008 to implement a number of the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review of Charity Regulation published in January 2022 and other known legislative deficiencies.

Department for the Economy

Decarbonisation - Utility Regulatory Powers

To provide a new function for the Utility Regulator to enable it to support the Department for the Economy in delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive's Energy Strategy and targets under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022.

Non-Domestic RHI Closure

To give effect to the January 2020 'New Decade New Approach' intention that the scheme should close. It will allow the Department to close the Scheme and make an appropriate closure payment to eligible participants, in order to protect the interests of the legitimate participants and the taxpayer.

Onshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

To enact the new policy on onshore petroleum licensing by amending the Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964.

Renewable Electricity Support Scheme Bill.

To establish the legal framework for a renewable electricity support scheme for Northern Ireland.

Employment Bill

To help deliver the objective of increasing the proportion of working-age people in Good Jobs. It will also help meet New Decade New Approach (NDNA) targets on protecting workers' rights.

Department of Education

Education (Inspections) Bill

To strengthen provision regarding the conduct of inspections under Article 102 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

General Teaching Council Bill

To establish an effective and outwardly focused professional body for teachers in Northern Ireland.

16-18s in Education or Training Bill

To progress legislation which will provide for all learners to participate in education, apprenticeship, or training until age 18.

Department of Finance

Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill

To include belief marriage in marriage legislation and to reform the law relating to the age of marriage (and civil partnership).

Department of Health

Safe and Effective Staffing Bill

To ensure and assure provision of high-quality care, workforce planning and staff governance.

HSC (Control of Data Processing) Bill

To amend and update legislation, to make statutory provision to protect the privacy of confidential patient information

Department for Infrastructure

Ports (Northern Ireland) Bill

To provide new and/or additional powers across several areas of harbours and trust port legislation.

Department of Justice

Sentencing Bill

To legislate as appropriate on decisions emanating from the department's review of sentencing policy, the consultation on "Charlotte's Law', and the statutory aggravator model for hate crime.

Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill

To make provision for a number of measures to enhance the experience, protections and outcomes of victims of crime, particularly as they engage with the criminal justice system.

The Executive Office

Race Equality Bill

To ensure that racial equality legislation fully reflects and responds to the needs of our minority ethnic communities and offers them the best protections from racism and discrimination in the environments in which they live and work.