William Eichler 13 January 2020

NI council chiefs call for investment to ‘unlock potential of local government'

Local authority leaders in Northern Ireland have welcomed the draft deal which is set to restore the executive at Stormont and have called for more devolution to the local level.

Over the weekend, the five main parties in Northern Ireland’s parliament agreed a deal that would see a new power sharing government formed after the last one collapsed in 2017 due to a green energy scandal.

The finance minister, Conor Murphy, has said that now the devolved government has returned, it is time for the British and Irish governments to deliver ‘the promised financial package’.

Mr Murphy has reportedly estimated that the devolved administration needs more than £1.5bn in funding from London and Dublin.

The British and Irish prime ministers, Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar, are visiting Belfast today to mark the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Local Government Association chief executive Derek McCallan welcomed the draft deal, but stressed the importance of devolution to local authorities.

‘I am very pleased that the British and Irish governments have tabled a draft deal on restoring the NI Executive. I hope that an agreement can be reached quickly to get the Stormont institutions back up and running immediately,’ he said.

‘For three years, our eleven local councils have been the only functioning form of democratically elected government in Northern Ireland. Local government has been a vital democratic anchor during this period and ensured the provision of crucial public services for local citizens.’

‘It’s time to bridge the democratic deficit and unlock the potential of local government in Northern Ireland by investing in our local councils,’ Mr McCallan continued.

‘An executive commitment to a Devolution Bill and greater financial powers and resources will drive a transformation in Northern Ireland’s democratic governance and help create a more sustainable democracy, environment and economy for Northern Ireland.’?

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner