The purpose of the network is to develop member awareness and capacity in relation to community planning and wellbeing and to lobby for strengthened legislation, guidance and support for councils in this regard.
Cllr John Coyle Chair
Network Members - Cllr John Coyle (F&O) Chair, Cllr Rachel Ferguson (D&S) Vice-Chair, Cllr Roisin Lynch (A&N), Cllr Richard Smart (A&ND), Cllr Thomas Larkham (ABC), Cllr Michael Donnelly (BCC), Cllr Stephanie Quigley (CCG), Cllr Rachel Ferguson (D&S), Cllr Victor Warrington (F&O), Cllr Hazel Legge (LCCC), Cllr John McDermott (MEA) and Cllr Christine McFlynn.
Network Partners
Democratic Scrutiny of: Departmental and partner organisation input in relation to priority Environment, Social and Health issues, and to develop regional policy approaches on these and related issues.
Monitoring the progress of the relationship between government departments and councils on community, health and environment issues, including relationships with arms-length bodies
Oversight of the partnership work between local and central government and partners on delivery of key issues impacting on councils, and on which council can have an influence.
Promotion of good practice: Development of collaborative approaches, development of elected member understanding and awareness of issues
Lobbying for improvements and for resources to deliver
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Outcomes to be achieved by May 2023 |
Progress at end March 2019 |
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Each council will have developed a contemporised climate action plan, embedding the adaptation cycle as expressed in the local government chapter of the draft 2019 NI Climate Change Adaptation Programme |
All councils working collaboratively to develop a climate action plan for each council, with the assistance of Climate NI, Sustainable NI and NILGA. NILGA supporting councils to lobby for resources to sustain this work. NILGA and partners taking a strategic approach to member training |
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Councils will be working collaboratively with each other and with government on approaches to waste management and the circular economy |
All councils working collaboratively on development of a single Waste Management Plan, with regular 11 council officer meetings Collaborative central local working in relation to strategic and contingency planning in progress |
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Elected members will more fully understand the civic leadership role of the council in halting biodiversity loss, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency |
NILGA response to call for evidence on an Environment Strategy produced in liaison with councils. NILGA and partners currently sourcing carbon literacy training |
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Elected members will be equipped with timely and necessary information on welfare reform changes, through provision of an elected member guide |
All relevant information now on DfC website. Update provided to network by Law Centre. Dynamic policy environment - mitigations recently approved by returned Assembly NILGA and partners currently assessing need for regional training – substantial training has taken place locally with AdviceNI. |
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Elected members will more fully understand the role of the council in combatting poverty, through provision of a regional event |
Poverty and Mental Health Event postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Consideration being given to event later in the year - possibly web-based. |
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Elected members will be furnished with contemporary information on innovative work/thinking to develop approaches to well-being, participatory democracy and community cohesion |
Links provided on NILGA website |
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Elected members will be supported to lobby for improved childcare provision and policy in NI |
Awaiting draft Childcare Strategy as articulated in New DNA agreement. NILGA and BCC held meetings recently with Education Minister |
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Councils will be working collaboratively with each other and with government on approaches to physical and mental health improvements |
Poverty and Mental Health Event postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Consideration being given to event later in the year - possibly web-based. |
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Elected members will more fully understand the role of the council in prevention of ill-health |
Wellbeing Bulletins provided regularly |
January 2020 - Climate Action Update: With Climate NI - NICCAP, council climate actions to date, Derry and Strabane toolkit, taking carbon reduction forward.
March 2020 - Conference - Regional event Caring Councils – Event Postponed
June 2020
September 2020 - Focus on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – seeking urban and rural solutions
December 2020 - Council parks and leisure services driving improvement in health, well-being and biodiversity
March 2021
June 2021 - Focus on policing and community safety – tackling antisocial behaviour and improving community cohesion
September 2021 - Review of welfare provisions and contemporary situation in relation to poverty and multiple deprivation
December 2021 - Improving mental health in communities – the council role
March 2022 - Resource efficiency and circular economy update
June 2022 - Focus on food: security, sufficiency, quality, affordability
September 2022 - Focus on fuel: reliance on carbon, affordable warmth, future strategy
December 2022 - Community Planning update and progress
March 2023 - Final meeting pre-election. Report on achieving the outcomes
This section contains quick links relating to COVID-19 advice.
This section includes key documents, information, consultations and presentations from network focused events.
Climate Adaptation: https://www.climatenorthernireland.org/cmsfiles/NICCAP-Civil-Society-and-Local-Government-Adapts.pdf
Poverty: https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/uk-poverty-2019-20
Childcare costs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-46903338
Please fill in the following form to get in touch with the NILGA support officer for this Network.
