Belfast City Council (CC) has sought a meeting with ministers to discuss their concerns over the delay of transfer of regeneration powers to local councils.<\/u><\/p>\n
Belfast City Council writes
\n<\/u>Belfast City Council is to seek an urgent meeting with the Social Development Minister following today\u2019s decision to indefinitely delay the transfer of regeneration powers to local government.<\/p>\n
It is the second time there has been a delay \u2013 the original transfer was delayed from 1 April 2015 to 1 April 2016 \u2013 and the council is concerned that this time it is indefinite, with no clarity as to whether the powers will ever be handed over to local authorities.<\/p>\n
The chairman of the council\u2019s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee Declan Boyle said: \u2018We understand there has been some unresolved policy issues in relation to matters at Stormont and that a restructuring of central government departments is now underway.<\/p>\n
\u2018We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister to ensure that this is not shelved indefinitely, that this decision is urgently reviewed and that a decision to transfer these powers on an agreed date is confirmed. We wish to express our disappointment and frustration and seek assurances from the Minister in relation to our major investment, development and regeneration plans for Belfast.<\/p>\n
\u2018This will impact on our ability to further develop and reinvigorate local neighbourhoods, support investment in the city centre, which will grow our economy, create jobs and prosperity and improve quality of life for our citizens.<\/p>\n
\u2018There is a clear trend everywhere else across these islands to devolve more powers and responsibilities to local government, particularly city regions. Now, having spent huge amounts of money and time on LGR developing proposals, a decision has been taken which is at odds with what the Government set out to achieve in terms of enabling councils to take local decisions to address local need.\u2019<\/p>\n
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