New Partnership Panel holds first meeting

The new Partnership Panel for Northern Ireland held its first meeting on 2 December 2014.

The Panel, comprising Executive Ministers, councillors from the 11 new councils and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, has been established as part of the local government reform programme.  Its purpose is to improve co-ordination between departments and councils, and help deliver better outcomes for local communities.

Chair of the Panel, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, said:  “This is an important forum where key decision makers from central and local government will come together to develop joined-up solutions and improve the delivery of local services.   Through joint policy development and better operational collaboration, it will help us tackle the issues that really matter to people.

“Today’s meeting paved the way for that collaboration.  In just four months local government will enter into a new era with new challenges and new opportunities.  Through the Panel we can harness these opportunities, support local government and deliver results.  This is an exciting time.” 

During the meeting, which was held in Stormont Estate, members discussed terms of reference for the Panel, the current position of the reform programme, work planning and budget issues.  

Concluding, Minister Durkan added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all outgoing councillors for their work and to wish the new 11 councils every success in delivering a new era for local democracy.”