The purpose of the Network is to develop evidence, policy and deliver actions during this electoral term (to April 2023) regarding devolution to and below Stormont to councils and communities, from national level government. The Network will also build member and councils capacity in relation to ensuring performance improvement, shared services, negotiations around new investment and new burdens, and provide a regional framework for local government in partnership with officers and members to bring about greater effectiveness, collaboration and efficiency of councils and the wider public sector budget spend of £23 billion annually.
Councillor Mark Glasgow Chair
Network Members - Cllr Mark Glasgow (MU) Chair, Cllr Sean McPeake (MU) Vice-Chair, Cllr Philip Smith (A&ND), Cllr Kevin Savage (ABC), Cllr Geraldine McAteer (BCC), Cllr Aaron Callan (CCG), Cllr Paul Fleming (D&S), Cllr Paul Blake (F&O), Ald Stephen Martin (LCCC) and Cllr Beth Adger (MEA).
Support Officers:
Derek McCallan (NILGA CE)
Louise Kennedy (Mid and East Antrim Director of Corporate Services / SOLACE)
Alfie Dallas (Derry & Strabane District Council / Chair of Association of Local Government Finance Officers - ALGFO)
Evidence based lobbying for the necessary legislation, guidance and support for councils in relation to local government reform – beyond 2015 – within and beyond the NI Local Government Act 2014.
Democratic scrutiny of evidence-based work on devolution, shared services, performance improvement and regional (all council / all NI) work to build better, more effective councils and the wider public sector budget.
Providing key recommendations and evidence to councils’ and NILGA Executive’s input into the Ministerial Partnership Panel between Central & Local Government.
Building member / officer capacity through training and learning workshops in relation to devolution, growth deals, new burdens and performance management. Design of regional member development events on related “big policy” issues. Commissioning policy changing reports, continued dynamic lobbying to develop a partnership role to improve local government and support greater community decision taking, e.g. via the UK Local Government Forum, social, business and community partner bodies and Stormont Committees. Partner body in Northern Ireland for APSE’s Local Government Commission 2030
Partners / Stakeholders
11 Councils
SOLACE
ALGFO
Local Government Training Group (LGTG)
Association of Public Sector Excellence – APSE
Strategic Policy Partners of NILGA
Department for Communities, The Executive Office (on legislation / Programme for Government matters)