NILGA reacts to activation of emergency financial assistance by Minister for Communities

Reacting to news that Minister for Communities had activated emergency financial assistance to local councils due to the Covid-19 crisis, Cllr Frances Burton, President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) said:

“This is a welcome first step and heralds some vital financial assistance overseen by Minister Hargey with the approval from the Department of Finance.”  

“Local government here has been investing heavily across many key services to ensure front line delivery on waste, burials and community co-ordination are provided as far as possible mindful of the public’s health, the most vulnerable, ever changing legislation and the safety of our employees.”

NILGA Chief Executive, Derek McCallan and NILGA President, Cllr Frances Burton

“NILGA and our Chief Executives wrote last week to all Ministers working collaboratively with our councils at this crucial time, emphasising evidence that councils face an £11 million per month deficit across the sector with income stopped, and huge additional expenditures rising, to keep essential services going amidst growing staff shortages. We urge that, in keeping with colleagues in Scotland and Wales, departments in Stormont come together with us and consider the totality of the deficits over a 16-week initial phase, deficits which if met through practical partnership, will ensure councils’ sustainability.”  

“The range of incredible local responses to this crisis has been outstanding and the anchor role and dynamic work our councils provide as hubs for such local dedication and delivery, must be invested in. Councils more and more are collaborating with the local community, businesses, government agencies and charities, for everything from food distribution to our buildings being redeployed for medical equipment manufacturing.”

“We would urge that this proactive step by Minister Hargey at Communities and recent positive engagement with Minister Poots at DAERA, is followed through across government from national to regional to local.”  

Brown O'Connor Communications One Page Brief: Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill 2020

Last week, Justice Minister Naomi Long introduced the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill 2020 into the Assembly which passed the first stage.

This Bill is to create a course of conduct offence and a sentencing aggravation concerning domestic abuse and make rules as to procedure and giving evidence in criminal cases involving domestic abuse; and prevent cross-examination in person of certain witnesses in particular circumstances in family proceedings in the civil courts.

Background and Policy Objective

In March 2016 the Department of Justice published a seven-year Strategy entitled ‘Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland’. This Strategy acknowledged the serious nature of domestic violence and abuse, as well as stressing the need to ensure that perpetrators were held to account for their actions.

The Strategy also provided new Government definitions for both domestic and sexual violence and abuse. These reflected a modern understanding of what domestic and sexual violence and abuse is and included specific reference to controlling and coercive behaviour, that is abusive behaviour. 

The Strategy outlined a commitment to consult on whether there was a need for a new criminal offence, to capture domestic abuse as criminal behaviour that can be addressed through the justice system.

Overview

Legislation is required to close a gap in the law and ensure that protection for victims is not limited to physically violent behaviour, as at present. 

The Bill will create a new domestic abuse offence for Northern Ireland which will capture patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as physical abuse, against a partner, former partner or family member.

The effect domestic abuse can have on children is also reflected in the offence. For this reason, where the victim in a relationship is under 18, where a child sees, hears or is present during an incident of abusive behaviour or where a child is used to abuse a victim, there may be an enhanced sentence. 

The Bill contains 28 clauses and is divided into three parts. 

Part one deals with domestic abuse (an offence and aggravation) and is separated into three chapters. 

Part two deals with cross-examination in family proceedings. 

Part three deals with commencement and the short title of the Bill.

Next Steps?

MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly will now scrutinise the Bill at the various stages. These include, Second Stage; Committee Stage; Consideration; Further Consideration; and Final Stage before receiving Royal Assent.

The Second Stage of the Bill is expected to take place in the Assembly on 28 April.

Minister Long has committed to engaging with Assembly colleagues as well as criminal justice and voluntary and community sector partners as the Bill progresses towards becoming law.  

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance at Willis Towers Watson reacts to UK Export Finance announcement on export credit insurance

Reacting to the announcement that UK Export Finance is expanding the scope of its export credit insurance policy in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), meaning that exporters in NI can continue to export with confidence, Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance at Willis Towers Watson in Northern Ireland said:

“We welcome the fact that the UK government has recognised the importance of credit insurance in order to maintain export markets throughout the COVID-19 period which will protect UK and Northern Irish businesses in particular, against non-payment when selling internationally.”

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance at Willis Towers Watson in Northern Ireland

“It is quite possible that the major credit insurers may be forced to scale back cover, so the recent announcement that UK Export Finance are widening the scope of their credit insurance product ensures that trade continues to flow. Northern Ireland exports billions of pounds worth of goods and services to the rest of the world beyond the likes of GB and the Republic of Ireland every year and it is key that these exports and exporters are protected in these unprecedented times.”

“This means that a Northern Irish company can continue to export with confidence by having credit insurance which can cover up to 95% of the value of an export contract. The insurance will protect against the risk of non-payment should UK exporters’ customers become insolvent or their government actions make fulfilling the contract impossible.”

Growing numbers of pharmacy staff isolating as Covid-19 testing proves difficult to access

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI

Access to testing is essential says pharmacy body

The representative body of community pharmacy teams in Northern Ireland is calling for urgent access to Covid-19 testing kits and PPE for staff, as growing numbers are self-isolating. 

Around a third of community pharmacy staff across Northern Ireland are now self-isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms. 

This includes staff in at least 100 community pharmacies who have had to remove themselves from the network, to keep colleagues and patients safe.  

Community Pharmacy NI is calling for the urgent provision of testing kits so that staff who test negative can return to work and help deal with huge demand in local pharmacies. 

The body is also calling for Personal Protective Equipment to be made more widely available to prevent as many staff in community pharmacy teams from getting the virus as possible.   

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy NI reacted: 

“In Northern Ireland we understand that it is now policy to test all frontline healthcare workers for Covid-19. In practice however, this will be prioritised among different groups, starting with patients in hospital, followed by identified clusters in the community and then on to healthcare workers.  

“Community pharmacists are considered frontline workers, but the priority will undoubtedly be suspected patients in hospital and those healthcare workers in hospitals.

“We need to see all community pharmacy staff have access to testing kits as soon as possible. We understand there are obvious difficulties with resources but currently a significant proportion of community pharmacy staff are self-isolating.  

“If we have access to testing kits it would allow at least some of them to return to work and help ease the enormous pressures that the network in Northern Ireland is currently experiencing.” 

Derry Chamber Chief praises workers for keeping essential business going in challenging times

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

The Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has praised businesses and employees for their commitment to keeping essential work going in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. 

Since the pandemic was announced and subsequent lockdown measures, many businesses have been forced to close their doors.

Other businesses face greater demand than usual and many of them have implemented new safety measures in the workplace to ensure work can go on and needs are met across many sectors.

Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber, Paul Clancy said:

“The response of the business community at this time has been phenomenal. Unfortunately, many businesses which are deemed non-essential have had to close their doors and furlough staff. However, many more face increased pressures and a surge in demand for services.

“The demand for food and other essential items such as cleaning items and medicines means that lots of businesses in those supply chains are working even harder to meet the demand.

“I have heard from many businesses in recent days who have introduced new social distancing measures to keep things going. That means reducing shift patterns to manage numbers of people at work at any one time, or re-engineering factory floor plans to protect staff. Some we know have even sought out new premises to use in the short term.

“The pragmatism of businesses at this time is great to see, not to mention the dedication of workers who continue to show up at work every day. Safety of the workforce has never been more important and we have seen so many examples of responsible employers and their staff working together to manage this.

“Lots of them may not see themselves as frontline workers, but they are contributing to the wider national effort that will ensure that shelves are stocked and people do not go without at this very worrying time.”

Derry Chamber calls for urgent clarity on essential businesses

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

Derry Chamber is calling for urgent clarity and guidance for businesses on the issue of what is deemed ‘essential services’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent days, the debate around essential services has been widely raised with no further clarity emerging for businesses and employees. 

Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber, Paul Clancy said:

“The situation is getting more confusing by the day. We have had many businesses in the North West impacted because of this confusion. The supply chain to all essential services is broad and it incorporates a vast number of companies in many sectors.

“Take for example the food supply chain. That does not just consist of places that produce foodstuffs, but there is also a huge supply chain supporting it from those that produce agricultural products, oil companies for heating and keeping lorries on roads, food labelling and packaging, to distribution. If one of these links is broken, it will have an impact on the end product we have on our supermarket shelves.

“We must stop demonising businesses for trying to keep essential work going during this crisis and instead work with them to ensure they can keep the business going, whilst also ensuring the safety of employees.

“Maintaining essential supplies will protect public confidence that we can feed the nation whilst everyone else is told to stay at home and fight this virus.

“We urge the Executive to show leadership and work effectively with businesses and workers to outline what are essential businesses. The establishment of a forum on workplace safety is welcome but we need to see decisions and guidance. With every day that passes, more essential businesses are forced to close.”

Derry Chamber reacts to NI Budget

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

Reacting to the NI Budget brought forward today by Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Paul Clancy, said:

“The NI Budget today was understandably focused on the response to Covid-19 and how we protect lives during this crisis. That is a priority for all of us and we are glad to see the additional spend in this budget as we try to fight this virus.

“The Chamber welcomes the reduction in business rates which, combined with the three months rates holiday, should mean that many business will see a 25% reduction in rates. This will help many of our members’ businesses manage costs in the coming months, which will be some of the most challenging we have faced in generations. We also welcome the renewal of the Small Business Rates Relief scheme.

“Aside from rates however, we need to see more support measures and funding for businesses, similar to those announced in other UK regions. It is vital that we protect as many businesses as we can, to ensure our economy is given a fighting chance.

“The impact of Covid-19 on our small region will be profound. Actions taken by Ministers in the days and weeks ahead will not only make a big difference now, but also in how we recover once the threat of Covid-19 is contained.”

Brown O’Connor Communications NI Budget 2020

This morning, the Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, presented his Ministerial statement to the NI Assembly – this is the first time that this has happened in over three years and comes at the most unusual of times. Here’s the overview outlined in the chamber:

• Given the current COVID19 crisis, this budget is dominated by the response to the emergency. Minister Murphy said the “number one priority for the Executive is to protect lives”.

• £100m of the COVID19 funding has been allocated in today’s budget to fund a previously-announced three months rates holiday for all businesses, which will see a 25% reduction in rates in 2020-21.

• The budget allocates £12.2bn of Resource DEL and £1.6bn in Capital funding for NI departments.

• A further £278.6m will be allocated to DAERA for Farm Support Payments which will replace the EU Common Agriculture Policy payments as a result of exiting the EU.

• The Regional Rate has been adjusted downward to offset the change in the total rateable value due to Reval 2020. In addition, a further 12.5% cut has been made.

• Domestic rates will be frozen.

• The Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) scheme will be renewed, providing almost £20m of relief to 27,000 businesses.

• The Rural ATM scheme will be reintroduced to help sustain cash flow in rural areas.

• A budget document will be prepared for MLAs to consider and debate ahead of the vote on the budget in May.

• The Executive now intends to bring forward multi-year budgets to allow departments more certainty on their allowances.

• Full detailed budget allocations can be found here

Property and Planning Communications Update – Temporary Changes to Pre-Application Consultation

Due to COVID19 some sensible measures have been agreed to allow the public facing and stakeholder engagement elements of the important Pre-Application Community Consultation process to continue to ensure progress of planning applications. This week the Department for Infrastructure provided outline advice. 

• Acknowledgement that Local Development Plans are at different stages of the LDP process and that public consultation under the current circumstances would have an impact on public and stakeholders engagement.  Acceptance that adjustment to timetables were necessary.

• Use of technology for consultations and discussions has been encouraged.

• Acknowledgement that not being able to conduct a Pre-Application Community Consultation could render the process invalid and a planning application to be turned down.

• Fear that not being able to hold consultative events could lead to an unnecessary backlog, even after the COVID19 pressures were over.

• The Department is expected to amend The Planning (Development) Regulations (NI) 2015 to temporarily remove the requirement for a public event.  

• Councils have been advised that they should use their powers to specify additional steps for developers to consult the public as part of the Pre-Application Community Consultation to ensure the ‘benefits to communities continue to be realised’ during the current crisis.

• Until a clearer assessment has been made on advertising and nearest neighbour notification due to availability of postal services and newspapers functioning the Department does not intend to bring forward any proposals to amend the current statutory requirements. However, the situation is being kept under review.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 30 March 2020

COVID-19 Update

• The Department for Health detailed their plans for the next phase of emergency health service planning for the COVID-19 surge. The plan includes prioritisation of patient care, reconfiguration of hospital services, urgent discharge of medically fit patients and the end of hospital visiting.

• The Chancellor announced details of support for the self-employed. He unveiled a new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme with a taxable grant worth 80% of average monthly profits over the last three years up to £2,500 per month.

• There are now 241 confirmed cases in Northern Ireland. 10 people have died.

• Health Minister Robin Swann launched the first Primary Care COVID-19 centre in Altnagelvin Hospital.

• Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds announced that the first payment in the small Business Support Grant Scheme would be made on 31 March, if not before. She also announced that an online portal had been set up to support payments and provides a facility for business to register their bank details to receive their payment.

• Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a range of new strict measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19. People must stay at home except for shopping for necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.

• Emergency legislation granting powers to tackle the pandemic was passed by MPs. Similar legislation was agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

• The Stormont Executive published a list of essential businesses that are permitted to remain open during the COVID-19 emergency. An updated list is expected shortly.

• Northern Ireland’s health service is to access all hospital beds across the private sector.

• Health Minister Robin Swann announced £10.5 million additional funding for community pharmacies to alleviate the pressures faced as a result of COVID-19.

• A letter has been sent to 40,000 people in Northern Ireland deemed to be at most risk from COVID-19. They will be advised not to leave their homes for 12 weeks.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced a further reduction in public transport and that public transport would be free for all NHS workers.

• The UK Government ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dyson. These will be used in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Executive has procured for 650 additional ventilators.

• Home Secretary Priti Patel introduced new emergency laws to the House of Commons today for police to fine those not adhering to the social-distancing laws within the Coronavirus Bill. The fines begin at £60 and double with every reoffence. The laws were introduced with immediate effect.

Forward Look

• The Northern Ireland Assembly will only sit once a week on a Tuesday from next week onwards.

• Question Time has been suspended until May. Ministers will continue to make statements to the Assembly.

• An Ad-Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 response will be appointed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. This Committee will receive oral statements from Ministers on matters relating to the COVID-19 response and to question Ministers on such statements.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy will give a statement on the Budget to the Assembly next week.

• The Domestic Abuse Bill for Northern Ireland will have its first stage on Tuesday.

• Health Minister Robin Swann will update the Health Committee on Thursday 2 April.

• The Northern Ireland Office published regulations regarding the provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland which come into effect next week. Abortions in Northern Ireland can take place in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without conditionality and terminations will be permitted beyond 12 weeks in a number of other circumstances.

• The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has appointed Paul Clancy as its new Chief Executive. He has more than 20 years director and management level experience across a range of sectors.

• The House of Commons and House of Lords have shut down until 21 April. MPs will return on this date to deal with Budget legislation.

• Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are continuing discussions on forming a new government. They have agreed on the need to form a strong stable government that will help Ireland recover post COVID-19 and are working to develop a Programme for Government.

Other Stories This Week

• Health Minister Robin Swann announced additional payments for people infected with contaminated blood. The payments will be made to those people who were diagnosed with Hepatitis C or HIV after receiving NHS-supplied infected blood.

• The Department for the Economy published an independent report on the impact of changes to UK migration policy on the Northern Ireland economy. It can be viewed here.

• The Government has abandoned plans to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600. It will also seek to have constituency boundary reviews take place every eight years instead of every five.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy confirmed that the date of the next census would be 21 March 2021.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy reappointed Marian Cree as Legal Services Oversight Commissioner for a second term.

• The DVA suspended all MOT tests for three months.

• Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn took part in his final PMQ’s. He will be replaced as leader on 4 April.

• Savills Ireland has announced the appointment of Mark Reynolds as its new Managing Director with immediate effect.

• Eamon Keenan has been returned to fill the vacancy on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. This position was vacated following the resignation of Independent Councillor John McCluskey.

Consultations

• Belfast Resilience Strategy Belfast City Council. Deadline 10 April.

• Belfast City Council Improvement Objectives 2020 – 21 Belfast City Council. Deadline 24 April.

• Consultation on pilot to instruct experts in the family proceedings court Department of Justice. Deadline 8 May.

Brown O’Connor Communications provides fast, accurate and relevant political monitoring and research services for the public, private and non-profit sectors. We can help you track the latest developments in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Local NI Councils, Westminster and the Oireachtas. To find out more, please get in touch at arlene@brownoconnor.com or chris@brownoconnor.com.