AQW 45007/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/04/2015
Answered On Date: 06/05/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development how six closed questions and three consultation events is considered adequate for the Social Housing Reform Programme, Regulatory Framework Consultation.

Answer:

This consultation is considered at least adequate for the following reasons. Firstly, it is facilitated by a proforma that is based on six questions to which respondents may reply without restriction. Respondents may use the proforma or reply through their own written submission. Based on previous consultations, many typically will.

Secondly, as well as the 3 public events the Department has used a range of communication channels to extend the reach of the consultation:

35 tweets

1 Facebook post

6 website articles (Housing Rights Service (HRS) x 2, Housing Executive (NIHE) x 2, NI Community Relations Council & Disability Action)

3 press articles

1 stakeholder newsletter article

Thirdly, the Tenant Participation Strategy consultation which ran from 15 January until 8 April 2015, also examined the most directly tenant-focussed parts of the proposed regulatory framework. It was the subject of 3 public meetings and 21additional events.