The Department for Communities (DfC) is responsible for housing, welfare and social security, employment support, local government, arts, culture, sport and tackling poverty and disadvantage.
Political leadership
The department is led by minister Gordon Lyons (Democratic Unionist Party).
Legislative programme
Five bills are currently attributed to DfC:
- Defective Premises Bill — passed, Royal Assent
- Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill — passed, Royal Assent
- Child Support Enforcement Bill — passed, Royal Assent
- Sign Language Bill — Final Stage
- Charities (Amendment) Bill — Committee Stage
Its legislation is scrutinised by the Committee for Communities.
Data sources
Ministerial and bill-stage data are drawn from the NI Assembly’s official records, kept up to date by the weekly Assembly sync.
See the department’s full profile, remit and official links at mlas.news/department/communities/.