Northern Ireland
Next Government urged to look at devolving air passenger duty
The leader of a Labour council in the shadow of Heathrow Airport has urged the next Government to look at devolving air passenger duty (APD).
Employers to consult on 10% pay claim
Local government employers will consult on trade unions’ 10% pay claim throughout this month.
NILGA welcomes chance of return to Stormont rule
Local government in Northern Ireland has welcomed the news of a possible return to rule at Stormont.
Northern Ireland gripped by largest strike in 50 years
Eighty per cent of Northern Ireland’s public sector workers have walked out in a pay dispute – the biggest strike in the country for 50 years.
Council websites referred to equality watchdogs
Some 56 local government websites have been referred to equality watchdogs in the last year.
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
Northern Ireland’s councils demand ‘more respect’ from Government
Northern Ireland’s councils have demanded ‘more respect’ from central Government but are wary of becoming dependent on a financial settlement.
Sinn Fein becomes largest party of Northern Ireland local government
Sinn Fein has become the largest party in Northern Ireland local government for the first time after securing 144 seats in the latest polls.
Northern Ireland branded 'uncompetitive and inert' as councils go to polls
With Northern Ireland’s 11 councils going to the polls today the region has been branded ‘uncompetitive and inert’ and in need of localised public services due to the Stormont stalemate.
'Widespread industrial action' warning
Trade union Unite has warned the Scottish Government and employers there ‘could be widespread industrial action’ without a ‘significant increase’ to the current pay offer.
EXCLUSIVE: Employers criticise union timetable after offer rejection
Local government employers have criticised Unison’s timetable for consulting its members on industrial action after all three unions rejected their pay offer.
Employers reject request for pay rise link between chiefs and workers
Local government employers have again refused to offer the same pay increase to council chief executives as to the rest of their staff.
Chiefs match main unions' pay claim
Senior council officers this week joined frontline trade unions in submitting an above-inflation pay claim for 2023-24.
EXCLUSIVE: Unions poised to submit inflation-busting pay claim
Local government trade unions are considering an inflation-busting pay demand for 2023-24, The MJ understands.
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.
Labour outlines huge devolution push
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has proposed removing the ‘dead hand of centralisation’ by devolving to local government wide-ranging powers over employment, growth, transport and education.
Funding request to rescue inflation-hit City Deal
Derry City & Strabane DC is to request more funding to back its £250m City Deal as inflation threatens to force planned projects to be scaled back.
Belfast to consider citizens’ assembly on Irish unity
The authority’s full council will consider the proposal after Sinn Fein reportedly tabled the motion.
'Fierce resistance' to threatened strike clampdown
Any attempt by new Prime Minister Liz Truss to outlaw strikes will be met with ‘fierce resistance,’ trade union Unite has warned.
Sector bids for key Covid inquiry role
Local government is bidding to have a key role in the looming coronavirus inquiry.