Second delay around regeneration control is causing concerns

Second delay around regeneration control is causing concerns

9 December 2015

A SENIOR politician has expressed concern that proposals to hand responsibility for regenerating towns and villages to local councils has been delayed for a second time.

Department of Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey first postponed the transfer of regeneration powers from Stormont to Northern Ireland’s super councils last year and has now mothballed the move for a second time until after government departments have been reduced from 13 to nine.

Councillor Dermot Curran said he’s concerned plans to pump new life into towns and villages across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council have been further delayed, arguing it will hinder moves to help promote economic growth and create much-needed new jobs.

“Local councils are at the heart of their areas and working closely with traders and community groups are much better placed to identify areas for much-needed economic and social regeneration,” argued the Downpatrick councillor.

He is confident handing enhanced regeneration powers to councils will allow them to revamp deteriorating town centres, boosting economic growth.

He said the new super councils are being given a range of new responsibilities including off-street car parking, but said the legislation required for this to happen has not been transferred from Stormont.

“Allowing councils to spearhead the regeneration of towns and villages in an important development. Providing a boost for the business community will not only help the local economy, but pave the way for the creation of new jobs,” said councillor Curran.

“In Downpatrick, a series of proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion have been suggested and these will have an impact on the future development of the town centre. It’s essential the local council is handed its new powers as soon as possible so it can work in tandem with traders and residents to come up with a regeneration plan which everyone can buy into.”

Councillor Curran also hopes that some of the £240m which the NI Executive had set aside to mitigate  the impact of tax credit cuts can be used to help with the regeneration of towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

In response to criticism about his decision to suspend the transfer of regeneration powers, Mr Storey insists he and his staff have had full and constructive engagement with all councils.

He added: “The aim of the reform programme remains the same, to transform local government, putting decision-making on matters in the hands of locally elected representatives.”