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energy strategy
DFI ROAD BOND REVIEW A decade on from an Assembly Regional Development Committee report on unadopted roads, DfI are now taking forward a long-awaited review of Road Bonds in Northern Ireland. An initial engagement was held with DfI in mid-summer with a period of consultation with members now underway.
RESPONSE TO DFE ENERGY STRATEGY SUBMITTED As two Bills are currently progressing through the Assembly with respect to introducing Northern Ireland-specific climate change legislation, it’s important that Government sets clear policy direction on our path to net zero. The CEF therefore submitted a detailed response to DfE’s recent policy options consultation on a new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. Due for publication by Christmas, the Strategy will consider key areas such as household retrofitting as well as incentive/grant/loan schemes for home- owners. A key skills opportunity for the industry, the Strategy will also complement the proposed upgrade in new build Building Regulations which are due to be subject to initial consultation in the autumn.
DRAFT SKILLS STRATEGY PUBLISHED With a return date of 19th August, the DfE consultation on a new Skills Strategy recently went live. Members welcomed the opportunity, on 17th August, to engage with CITB on this and look forward to being a key part in the development of a new Strategy which is likely to be ready in its final form come late autumn. A PACKED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA As we move into the final session of the 2017-22 Assembly, MLA’s and committees will find themselves spending most of their time dealing with a raft of legislation, particularly Private Members Bills, that need scrutinised and, predominately, approved by dissolution at the end of March. Key for the CEF in this will be the Budget for 2022-23 which would need approved before dissolution and will be a major test of political will going into May’s election.
HOUSING SUPPLY STRATEGY CALL FOR EVIDENCE In mid-July the CEF responded to the DfC Housing Supply Strategy Call for Evidence. Although not due for final publication until early 2022, the Strategy looks to set a clear policy course for the development of new build housing over the coming 10-20 years with particular focus on ensuring affordable housing is delivered both as part of and separate to traditional private-led schemes. Further consultation with DfC on the emerging Strategy is scheduled for the autumn.
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