Documents and Policies consist of formal NILGA responses to Ministers and Departments resulting from consultations or requests for further information from local government. Publications from sources other than NILGA are also to be found in this section.
The Association engages with member councils to formulate their views and responses on each of the subjects, then collates one formal response on local government's behalf.
01 February 2012
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) published a consultation document on CAP reform post 2013 on 8th November 2011, seeking views on the legislative proposals published by the EU Commission, in order to inform the Northern Ireland position in preparation for the negotiations ahead. This response was drafted further to discussions with the NILGA Agriculture and Rural Development Working Group, councils and other stakeholder organisations, including the Irish Farmers’ Union. For further information or to discuss any of the issues highlighted, please contact Karine McGuckin at the NILGA Offices: Email:k.smyth@nilga.org Tel: 028 9079 8972
06 January 2012
Costs in criminal cases (magistrates’ courts)
Consultation on proposals to:
1. Increase the maximum amount of costs that can be awarded by a magistrates’ court in respect of solicitors and counsel;
2. Update the scale of allowances payable to witnesses as part of an order for costs in a magistrates’ court; and
3. Establish a regular review of the above.
09 December 2011
The creative industries represents an important economic sector and it is supported by local government due to the potential for job creation and the positive impact this sector can have on the level of innovation and the internationalisation of its practices. NILGA is pleased to be able to have an opportunity to comment on the Inquiry into the Creative Industries and we trust that our comments will be taken into account when developing the final report.
For further information or to discuss any of the issues highlighted, please contact Karine McGuckin at the NILGA Offices: k.mcguckin@nilga.org 028 9079 8972.
08 November 2011
You are cordially invited to an evening discussion chaired by William Crawley on “The challenges, changes & opportunities for our local schools and communities.” For full details please see link.
01 November 2011
Age Sector Platform’s ‘Fight the Winter Fuel Cut’ campaign has seen thousands of people from across Northern Ireland sign their name in opposition to the planned cut to the winter fuel payment this year; with over 9,000 supporters now officially recorded. The charity is now requesting the support of local councils to help promote the campaign further.
27 October 2011
A review of the 10 year public health strategy for Northern Ireland “Investing for Health” was completed last year. The review concluded that there is a clear need for a strategy based on the principles of Investing for Health but that it needed to be updated to take account of social, economic and legislative developments changes as well as new evidence and data which is available since the Investing for Health strategy was published. While the general health of the Northern Ireland population shows signs of improvement as measured by life expectancy, too many people still die too young, or live with conditions that could have been prevented. A recent report by the National Office for National Statistics showed that the proportion of life spent free of from chronic illness or disability was 3 years lower in Northern Ireland compared with England. We also recognize that there are still clear gaps between the health status of some population groups and individuals. The process for developing a new strategy has begun and this short newsletter is to provide stakeholders with an update on progress and thinking so far. Should you have any comments or feedback please e-mail Health Development Policy Branch, DHSSPS at: hdpb@dhsspsni.gov.uk
14 October 2011
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) are seeking applications for the post of Chairperson for the new Food Strategy Board (FSB). This is a challenging new post reflecting the Executive’s commitment to the agri-food sector.
30 September 2011
Libraries NI is responsible for the unified public library service throughout the North of Ireland. It has a staff of approximately 860 and an annual revenue budget of approximately £31.5m.
The Board is responsible for providing strategic leadership for an important statutory public service and ensuring the most effective use of resources in delivering an up-to-date and high quality library service within policy guidelines and accountability requirements set by the Department.
15 September 2011
This paper has been drafted in liaison with SOLACE, the Technical Advisers Group and the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group, and was considered by the NILGA Executive Committee on 9th September 2011.
The discussion paper sets out five options for future environmental governance in Northern Ireland, giving „pros‟ and „cons‟ for each option. Options are as follows:
A – Maintaining the Status Quo
B – The Status Quo „plus‟
C – Transfer all NIEA functions to an independent agency
D – Full Reorganisation
E – A Regulation-Oriented Independent Agency.
For further information or to discuss any of the issues highlighted, please contact Karen Smyth at the NILGA Offices: Email: k.smyth@nilga.org
Tel: 028 9079 8972
15 September 2011
The Department of Environment has invited views on the proposals set out in a consultation on draft guidance relating to new powers to deal with litter under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment (NI) Act 2011, specifically:
-The offence of littering
-Power to Require the Clearance of Litter from private land
-Street Litter Control Notices
-Controlling the Distribution of Free Literature
-Abandoned Shopping Trolleys
-Preventing Cigarette Litter
-Regulatory Impact Assessment on Extension of Street Litter Control Notices
The Act strengthens the legislative powers available to District Councils to assist them to deal more effectively with a range of local environmental problems and is likely to become operational in April 2012.