Alderman Hazel Legge has been appointed President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on 3 July 2026.
Representatives from councils, stakeholders and partner organisations gathered for the AGM to reflect on the past year’s work and to set priorities for the period ahead, with a renewed focus on strong local leadership, sustainable communities, effective public services and councillor safety.
Members also paid tribute to outgoing President Cllr Billy Webb for his service over the past year, recognising his leadership, commitment and advocacy on behalf of councils and the communities they serve.
Discussion during the AGM highlighted key issues for the sector, including sustainable development, community engagement, councillor safety, organisational resilience, digital innovation and support for elected members in their leadership roles.
NILGA said these priorities will shape its work in the year ahead as councils continue to respond to financial pressures, wider uncertainty, strengthen local partnerships and prepare for the local government elections in May 2027.
In her inaugural address, Alderman Hazel Legge (UUP, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council) said councils must be central to discussions on the future of public services. "This is a challenging political and financial climate for public services, but it is also a moment to think differently about how services are designed and delivered," she said. "Local government brings practical leadership, strong community relationships and a deep understanding of local need. We must be at the table when decisions are being made, and we stand ready to contribute our experience, innovation and insight."
Alderman Legge said councils were well placed to help shape improvement because of their citizen-focused role and multi-disciplinary reach. "We need to support and invest in digital development and inclusion, but we must also recognise that strong local services depend on sustainable funding and long-term thinking," she said. "Councils deliver far more than services alone; they help build confidence, connection and resilience in communities. That value must be recognised and protected."
She added that local government’s contribution should be measured not only in financial terms, but also in the social value councils create every day for citizens, families and places across Northern Ireland.
Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Billy Webb MBE (Alliance, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) reflected on a year of continued advocacy for councils across Northern Ireland and thanked colleagues across local government for their support and collaboration.
He said the sector had continued to face significant pressure as councils and communities responded to rising costs and wider uncertainty. "These have been difficult times for local government and for the communities our councils serve," he said. "Despite those pressures, councils have shown real leadership, resilience and dedication. I have been proud to see the commitment of elected members and officers across all 11 councils as they continued to deliver for local people."
Cllr Webb also thanked NILGA Office Bearers, councillor colleagues and NILGA officers for their support, encouragement and guidance throughout his term. "The progress made over the past year has been a shared effort, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and commitment to that work," he said.
