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19/02/2010
Council Reform Deadline 'Scandalous'
A senior Ulster Unionist has branded the Environment Minister's seven-day deadline for local government reform "nothing short of scandalous".
Yesterday, the DUP's Edwin Poots announced Northern Ireland's 26 councils had one week to accept proposals for new structures, which will see them merge into 11 'super' authorities.
Trevor Wilson, Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association, said the minister's demands were "wholly unacceptable".
The Cookstown councillor said: "This latest announcement reflects the DUP's approach to this entire process; they have forced bad decision after bad decision through the Assembly and now they are bypassing councillors. This is leading to a degenerative package of reform."
He claimed Mr Poots was attempting to "offload" responsibility and blame on to local councils "in the face of failure".
Mr Wilson said the time frame proposed is "ludicrous" and damages the "ethos of consultation".
"What was the point of the consultation process, when some of the minister's suggestions directly contradict its outcomes?
"Was this just a meaningless paper exercise? If the views expressed were ever envisaged as having a real part to play, then why is the minister persisting with efforts to bulldoze through his own agenda?" he asked.
The UUP has said it accepts the need for reform of local government.
Mr Poots wants a single waste authority and business service as part of an efficiency drive.
It is believed the council streamlining will cost an extra £118m over a five-year period, but has the potential to save £438m over 25 years.
(PR/BMcC)
Yesterday, the DUP's Edwin Poots announced Northern Ireland's 26 councils had one week to accept proposals for new structures, which will see them merge into 11 'super' authorities.
Trevor Wilson, Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association, said the minister's demands were "wholly unacceptable".
The Cookstown councillor said: "This latest announcement reflects the DUP's approach to this entire process; they have forced bad decision after bad decision through the Assembly and now they are bypassing councillors. This is leading to a degenerative package of reform."
He claimed Mr Poots was attempting to "offload" responsibility and blame on to local councils "in the face of failure".
Mr Wilson said the time frame proposed is "ludicrous" and damages the "ethos of consultation".
"What was the point of the consultation process, when some of the minister's suggestions directly contradict its outcomes?
"Was this just a meaningless paper exercise? If the views expressed were ever envisaged as having a real part to play, then why is the minister persisting with efforts to bulldoze through his own agenda?" he asked.
The UUP has said it accepts the need for reform of local government.
Mr Poots wants a single waste authority and business service as part of an efficiency drive.
It is believed the council streamlining will cost an extra £118m over a five-year period, but has the potential to save £438m over 25 years.
(PR/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
