NILGA
Sharing the spoils
As more English councils tackle the rising tide of no overall control, Paul Marinko looks at the lessons they could learn from Northern Ireland
Council groups decry lack of influence as UKSPF plans approved
Councils have expressed concerns about the lack of local political influence as the Government belatedly approved local areas’ £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) plans.
Concerns over refugee data
Concerns have been raised over the sharing of data on refugees arriving from war-torn Ukraine.
Call to devolve Afghan refugee responsibilities
Councils have called for the devolution of more responsibilities for Afghan refugees.
Northern Irish councils in devolution call
The sector is pressing for increased powers to help the country to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
LGA chair: Councils should have the freedom to set rates
Councils should be put on the right financial footing to enable them to set council tax rates however they choose, says the chairman of the Local Government Association, James Jamieson.
Minister backs council finance review
A full review of council finances will take place in Northern Ireland after minister Conor Murphy endorsed the proposal.
NI councils handed powers to vary taxes
New legislation at Stormont will allow councils in Northern Ireland to vary the rate of council tax and business rates.
Northern Irish legal case could set precedent across UK
Northern Irish councils have suggested local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales could benefit after a ‘landmark’ legal case.
Coronavirus has turned 'financial cracks into craters'
The new president of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has warned that coronavirus has turned ‘financial cracks into craters’.
Funding boost brings 'hope' for councils, says NILGA
A £20.3m funding boost to local authorities has given ‘hope’ to the councils and their partners, leaders have said.
Unite expected to urge pay offer rejection
Trade union Unite is expected to recommend that its members reject the employers ‘final’ 2.75% pay offer at a national committee meeting later this week.
Unions hit back as employers seek to end pay talks
Trade unions have hit back at local government employers’ attempts to close down talks on pay.
Crisis cash on its way for NI councils
Councils in Northern Ireland have finally been handed extra funding to deal with the coronavirus crisis, bringing them in line with the rest of the UK.
NILGA in pre-election powers and resources call
Northern Ireland’s Parliamentary candidates have been urged to prioritise granting greater powers and resources to councils ahead of next week’s General Election.
NILGA’s no-deal dilemma
Karen Smyth explains how Northern Ireland’s local councils are playing a pivotal role in helping their communities get ready for whatever Brexit outcome lies ahead. Ann McGauran reports.
NI senior policy officer warns of 'perfect storm'
The difficulties facing councils and their communities in Northern Ireland are ‘turning into a perfect storm ahead’ according to a senior local government policy officer representing all 11 councils.