New NILGA President advocates for collaborative approach to enhance local councils and community services
The newly elected President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach to ensuring the sustainability of local councils and the vital services they provide to communities.
In his inauguration speech at NILGA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 27 June, Cllr Billy Webb MBE (Alliance Party, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) highlighted that strengthening the relationship between central and local government is a top priority for the upcoming year. He pointed out the financial pressures on public services and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting citizens, stressing that central and local government must collaborate more effectively. Cllr Webb emphasised the need for transformation to ensure Northern Ireland is on a sustainable path for the long term, to facilitate proper future planning, and to deliver the Programme for Government outcomes for citizens.
Under his new mandate, NILGA will continue to advocate for the further devolution of powers to local government, focusing on place-shaping, regeneration, and increased investment in innovation, technology and transformation for councils and their representatives.
In his first address as NILGA President, Cllr Billy Webb MBE (Alliance, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) stated, “It is hard to recall a more challenging time for the financial position of public services. Substantial transformation is necessary, along with the funding to support it. Local government has much to contribute to these discussions since councils are politically led, citizen-focused, multi-disciplinary organisations. Despite financial pressures, councils continue to deliver essential services and have demonstrated innovation, flexibility, and resilience. Other public service sectors can learn from our experiences, and we are ready to participate in broader discussions.
It is evident that, due to the challenges at the central government level, difficult decisions regarding local government funding are being made and will continue to be made. However, the funding allocated to local government represents only a small fraction of the challenges faced, and it is shortsighted to continue cutting this funding, especially when considering the non-financial value that councils provide to wider society.
What is undoubtedly needed is a serious transformation of government in Northern Ireland, with local government and the communities we serve at the centre of this effort. Local government is prepared to use creativity, innovation, technology, and agility to find solutions, but we need to be proactively involved as an equal sphere of government for meaningful change to occur.”
Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Alison Bennington and Cllr Billy Webb MBE, NILGA President.
Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Alison Bennington (DUP, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) remarked, “Over the past year, we have continued to advocate for councils across Northern Ireland, seeking increased funding and new powers that will enable councils to remain strong community leaders.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and wider central government funding cuts have exacerbated the strain on our sector. However, I am proud of how our 11-member councils continue to provide leadership, deliver for local citizens, and support their local communities. As we move forward, our sector must receive adequate funding and resources to continue serving those in our community with the greatest need.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to my NILGA Office Bearer and councillor colleagues for your unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance over the past 12 months. Your contributions have been invaluable, and I appreciate your commitment to our collective efforts and shared achievements.”
Cllr Billy Webb MBE, NILGA President and Alison Allen, NILGA CEO.
