Council criticism for Givan over meeting snub

Council criticism for Givan over meeting snub

9 November 2016

COUNCILLORS have criticised Communities Minister Paul Givan for failing to meet with them over the proposed closures of Ballynahinch and Newcastle Social Services offices.

Newry Mourne and Down Council had written to the Minister to express their concern following the proposals which emerged in August. 

A reply on behalf of Mr Givan was read out at a meeting of the local authority on Monday evening.

It stated that the Minister was “content for senior officials to meet with you”.

The reply also cited the implementation of changes to the welfare system and a “challenging financial environment” as being behind the proposed closures of the local benefits offices as well as a third office in Cookstown.

“The Minister understands the concerns expressed in your letter regarding the impact of these proposals and can assure you that the consultation exercise will provide local political representatives, claimants and their representatives and staff the opportunity to comment on the proposals and to raise any issues,” the letter read.

At Monday’s meeting councillors said they were unimpressed.

The DUP’s Billy Walker said he was disappointed by the response and said Newry Mourne and Down seemed to be “easy pickings” when it came to government cuts. Sinn Fein’s Willie Clarke said: “I think it is a flippant sort of response.”

Councillor Clarke said the proposed changes would have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in society who now faced additional travel expenses to claim their benefits.

“They are lucky to have the money for a pint of milk never mind £6.90 for a bus into town,” he said.

“It is a scandalous decision.”

The SDLP’s Terry Andrews said: “I am very disappointed we are not meeting with the Minister but I welcome the opportunity to meet with his officials.”

Party representatives will now meet with the officials at Stormont on Tuesday.