A new group to lobby for greater resources and devolution for councils in Northern Ireland has been set up.
The Reform, Devolution and Improvement Network has been launched by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association to modernise the role and powers of local government.
It will seek changes to legislation, lobby with evidence for the devolution of greater powers and resources to local government and help prioritise more efficient public services.
Chair of Network, cllr Mark Glasgow, said: 'Between now and the next local government election in March 2023, the Reform, Devolution and Improvement Network will work hard to outline the tangible benefits of greater devolution of powers and resources to local councils. Reform of local government started in 2014 and, since then, we’ve seen our councils take on new and important responsibilities for local communities.
'That was just Chapter One of a new era. The job is only partly finished, we must now push to complete the reform of local, democratic institutions and public service provision in Northern Ireland.’