Menu
18/09/2014
Alliance Councillor Criticises Castlereagh Expenses
Alliance Councillor Michael Long has criticised Castlereagh Council for what he has called "its on-going reluctance to be open and transparent, despite being in its final year of existence".
Mr Long made the comments following the revelation that his party's councillors had filed the least in the latest round of expenses.
Figures show Alliance Councillors claim on average £10,136.85, with the UUP's average set at £11,796.68, the SDLP's at £11,621.72 and DUP Councillors registering £12,471.80.
Councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance believes it is important that we provide value for money for ratepayers and these figures show that the average Alliance Councillor cost more than £2,000 less than their DUP counterparts and well over £1,000 less than the SDLP and UUP.
"Several years ago I faced considerable opposition in my fight to ensure that these figures were released and published on the Council's website, clearly demonstrating how public money is spent. While I welcomed this important step taken by Castlereagh Council I am extremely disappointed that this information is very difficult to locate on the Council's website - an issue I will be raising at the next available opportunity.
"Castlereagh Council seems determined that its lasting legacy in local government will be one of politics behind closed doors. This is not something Alliance has been part of and with the new Super Councils providing opportunities for openness in politics, we as a party will continue to ensure total transparency in all Council decisions."
(IT/CD)
Mr Long made the comments following the revelation that his party's councillors had filed the least in the latest round of expenses.
Figures show Alliance Councillors claim on average £10,136.85, with the UUP's average set at £11,796.68, the SDLP's at £11,621.72 and DUP Councillors registering £12,471.80.
Councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance believes it is important that we provide value for money for ratepayers and these figures show that the average Alliance Councillor cost more than £2,000 less than their DUP counterparts and well over £1,000 less than the SDLP and UUP.
"Several years ago I faced considerable opposition in my fight to ensure that these figures were released and published on the Council's website, clearly demonstrating how public money is spent. While I welcomed this important step taken by Castlereagh Council I am extremely disappointed that this information is very difficult to locate on the Council's website - an issue I will be raising at the next available opportunity.
"Castlereagh Council seems determined that its lasting legacy in local government will be one of politics behind closed doors. This is not something Alliance has been part of and with the new Super Councils providing opportunities for openness in politics, we as a party will continue to ensure total transparency in all Council decisions."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2013
Motion To Record Council Meetings Is Defeated
A motion brought forward by the Alliance Party's Castlereagh group, which called for all Council meetings to be recorded, has been defeated for a second time. The motion was originally tabled by the party in November last year. If approved, the move would have allowed greater openness and transparency for the residents of Castlereagh.
Motion To Record Council Meetings Is Defeated
A motion brought forward by the Alliance Party's Castlereagh group, which called for all Council meetings to be recorded, has been defeated for a second time. The motion was originally tabled by the party in November last year. If approved, the move would have allowed greater openness and transparency for the residents of Castlereagh.
11 June 2018
Monkey 'Clipped By Car' In North Belfast Dies
A male spider monkey, which escaped from Belfast Zoo on Saturday, 09 June, has died after being struck by a car. He was "clipped by a car" on the M2 in north Belfast. The monkey was being tracked by zoo keepers. A spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating how the escape occurred from the monkey island on which the animals are kept.
Monkey 'Clipped By Car' In North Belfast Dies
A male spider monkey, which escaped from Belfast Zoo on Saturday, 09 June, has died after being struck by a car. He was "clipped by a car" on the M2 in north Belfast. The monkey was being tracked by zoo keepers. A spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating how the escape occurred from the monkey island on which the animals are kept.
21 March 2016
Homeless Woman Dies In Belfast
A homeless woman has died on the streets of Belfast. The woman is believed to have been aged in the 30s and her death is not being treated as suspicious. A post mortem is to be carried out to determine the cause of death. The woman is the fifth person to die on the city's streets in recent weeks.
Homeless Woman Dies In Belfast
A homeless woman has died on the streets of Belfast. The woman is believed to have been aged in the 30s and her death is not being treated as suspicious. A post mortem is to be carried out to determine the cause of death. The woman is the fifth person to die on the city's streets in recent weeks.
11 February 2016
Exploris Aquarium To Re-Open
Northern Ireland's only aquarium Exploris is to re-open its doors this summer. The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
Exploris Aquarium To Re-Open
Northern Ireland's only aquarium Exploris is to re-open its doors this summer. The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
17 April 2003
Hoax bomb alert at school condemned
East Belfast Alliance Councillor Naomi Long has expressed grave concern following a bomb alert at in Ballyhackamore. While the device at St Joseph's Primary School was later declared a hoax Cllr Long condemned the actions of those who left there.
Hoax bomb alert at school condemned
East Belfast Alliance Councillor Naomi Long has expressed grave concern following a bomb alert at in Ballyhackamore. While the device at St Joseph's Primary School was later declared a hoax Cllr Long condemned the actions of those who left there.
-
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.
