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REFORM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - URGENT ACTION NEEDED
20 January 2010
REFORM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - URGENT ACTION NEEDED
Cllr John Mathews, NILGA President, has issued a letter to Acting First Minister, Arlene Foster, calling for her urgent action and leadership on agreeing a way forward for the Reform of Local Government. The current issues that hamper progress need to be addressed now, allowing us all to get back on track for 2011, we can’t allow the momentum to dissipate. Local Government have accepted the reform challenge and have taken a committed approach to its implementation, we recognise the huge opportunity this presents to enhance and improve delivery of services to citizens.
A copy of the letter is provided below.
NILGA CALL ON ACTING FIRST MINISTER FOR ACTION
I am writing to press you and your colleagues in the Executive to urgently agree a way forward in relation to the Reform of Local Government. You will be aware as former Minister of the Environment of the opportunities to citizens that local government reform offers. It will result in stronger Local Government with enhanced functions, and will provide for the more effective delivery of local public services. NILGA believe it is a key step towards developing a modern and effective governance and a public service regime for Northern Ireland for generations to come.
The lack of progress with the legislation, however, is weakening morale and belief in the change process and further delays can only undermine the capacity to deliver an effective reform programme. It is vital that we get clarity on the way forward as soon as possible.
It is in this context that I would seek your support; help and attention to move the legislative process forward. We in the sector appreciate the complexity in the ongoing political process but we call on you and your colleagues to deliver the effective leadership we need and to take all necessary steps to resolve the outstanding issues as a matter of urgency. NILGA are deeply concerned that the work carried out to date by Local Government is not wasted and feel that it would be difficult to reconstruct a new process if this current programme were to stall.
The implementation date of 2011 is fast approaching and there is an urgent need for decisions to be taken on finalising boundaries and the responsibilities that will transfer to the new councils. Local Government practitioners have accepted the reform challenge and have taken a committed approach to implementing the change. Members and officers are working in partnership with Minister Poots on the Strategic Leadership Board and the various reform bodies. Work is also underway in the 11 Transition Committees, indeed many are taking on this work in addition to their existing roles.
NILGA firmly believe that local government reform offers an opportunity to transform services so that Local Government can be more proactive, co-ordinated and responsive to the needs of our citizens. It is right to deliver improved public services as close to the people as possible, with councils fulfilling the leading role at the heart of the local community. We as elected representatives endeavouring to deliver leadership to Local Government urge you to do whatever you can to move the process forward.
ENDS
Editors Notes
The letter was endorsed by all NILGA Vice Presidents, Cllr Helen Quigley (SDLP), Ald Arnold Hatch (UUP), Cllr Sean McPeake (SF) and Cllr Peter Weir MLA (DUP).
For more information please contact:
Tara Cunningham, Director of Communication & Engagement t.cunningham@nilga.org 07946152286/07976920564 or Mark Maher, Communications Officer m.maher@nilga.org
