Northern Ireland
Localism is important to the electorate
Janice Morphet looks at the electoral response to the management of the pandemic in England, and considers what the results mean for future devolution.
Employers offer 1.5% 'paltry' pay rise
Councils are facing a £279m increase to the national pay bill after offering 1.5m employees a 1.5% increase for 2021-22.
Queen's Speech: Controversial voter ID plans roll forward
Voter ID is expected to be introduced by May 2023 after the Government pledged to introduce legislation to ‘ensure the integrity of elections’.
N Ireland chief robustly defends decision to send Brexit letter to Cabinet Office
The chief executive of Mid and East Antrim BC has robustly defended her decision to send a controversial letter on Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol to the Cabinet Office.
No simple north-south divide, says report
There is no simple north-south divide, a new report by Legal and General (L&G) has argued.
BUDGET 2021: New freeport sites confirmed
Chancellor Rishi Sunak closed his Budget speech today with a commitment to eight new freeport sites - international gateways that will enjoy a raft of tax breaks from later this year.
Employers branded a 'disgrace' over pay delay
Council employers have been branded a ‘disgrace’ after they said they would not respond to a union pay claim until after the May 6 elections.
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.
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.
Budget 2020: New West Yorkshire mayor announced
A new directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor has been announced with the Government signing a new £1.8bn devolution deal amid plans to ‘level up’ the UK economy.
Debt-hit Northern Ireland council votes for ‘urgent assistance’
Causeway Coast & Glens BC has voted to bring in independent financial advisers after confirming total borrowing of £71.1m.
Unions criticise 'unnecessary' pay offer delay
The three unions representing council workers today criticised ‘unnecessary delays’ after local government employers failed to make them a pay offer for 2020/21.
Government dismisses same-sex marriage concerns
The Government has dismissed council concerns over registrars potentially refusing to perform same-sex marriages when new legislation comes into force in Northern Ireland next week.
Councils seek advice over same-sex marriage
Councils are seeking advice ahead of the introduction of regulations that will allow same-sex marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships to take place in Northern Ireland.
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.
Growing a city the holistic way
Chief executive of Belfast City Council Suzanne Wylie talks to Ann McGauran about the ambitious 20-year place-shaping community plan, prioritising inclusive growth, the Brexit factor, and more.
