Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 30 August 2021

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Forward Look

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has said that he will contest the next Northern Ireland Assembly election for Lagan Valley. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA and First Minister Paul Givan MLA are also expected to run for the party. Sir Jeffrey will meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD today to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • Sinn Féin MLAs for Foyle, Martina Anderson MLA and Karen Mullan MLA, will step down before the Assembly returns from Summer recess. A selection convention for their replacements will be held on September 8, with the two successful candidates set to be co-opted into the Assembly before September 13.

  • Following her resignation, Martina Anderson MLA will take a new international role for the party in Europe promoting Irish unity. Karen Mullan MLA will have a new regional role in the North West strengthening cross-border co-ordination between the party’s elected representatives.

  • The Economy Committee has been informed that the High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal until 11 October 2021. For further information: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for 2021-2031. The draft strategy consists of 67 recommendations across four key themes. The consultation deadline is 20 October. To respond: LINK

  • Professor Charlotte McArdle has stepped down as Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer to take up the role of Deputy CNO for Patient Safety and Improvement with NHS England.

  • The Executive will meet in-person next week to discuss its next steps in easing Covid-19 restrictions. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has denied the immediate possibility of re-introducing restrictions. Currently, Northern Ireland has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the UK and the lowest vaccination rate.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a new financial support programme for the local tourism sector. The programme will focus on attractions and other experience providers. For further information: LINK

  • The Department of Health has announced that Covid-19 vaccine certificates are now available for those in Northern Ireland planning to travel in the next three months.

  • A Lucid Talk-Belfast Telegraph poll on party-political support in Northern Ireland is expected to be published this weekend.

  • The Financial Reporting Council has proposed a new governance code which will reduce the flexibility that audit firms have to decide how they govern their business. Plans for the new code will be under consultation before being introduced in 2022.

  • Fine Gael has asked the public to submit a policy proposal on how to make Ireland “better for all”. To respond: LINK

  • The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship programme will launch on Thursday 2 September with an event live from Stormont. The event gathers business, political and civic leaders to discuss Northern Ireland’s future. To register: LINK

  • The Docs Ireland film festival continues this weekend, with tickets available for a range of films until Sunday 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK

Other Stories this week

  • Mass vaccination centres have closed across Northern Ireland following the ‘Big Jab Weekend’, where an estimated 12,000 people received first doses. The vaccine rollout will continue with community pharmacies and ‘pop-up’ mobile clinics.

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced a new agricultural policy framework for Northern Ireland. The framework has four main targets including ensuring environmental sustainability and improving economic resilience. To view: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced the allocation of £8m in support grants to a range of charities in Northern Ireland.

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been appointed as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Cameroon. Baroness Kate Hoey has been appointed Trade Envoy to Ghana.

  • Ulster University Magee’s Graduate Medical School opened this week for 70 students in Derry.

  • Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

  • Ryanair has announced it will cease flights from Belfast City Airport in September and from Belfast International Airport in October.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Economy Committee briefing on High Street Voucher Scheme - 25 August 2021

The Economy Committee was briefed this morning on the High Street Voucher Scheme by Department Officials. Below is a summary of the Committee session outlining more information on the upcoming scheme.

  • The High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal from then until 11 October 2021.

  • The pre-paid cards can be used when activated by the card holder until 30 November 2021. All accounts must be concluded by the end of March 2022.

  • Department officials stated that while there remained “significant challenges and risks” in implementing the scheme, they are confident that these provisional dates can be agreed and put forward in regulations in September.

  • The verification process for using the card will operate in three stages, using the Electoral Register, the DVLA databases, and National Insurance numbers. A telephone support service will also be available for those who cannot access the online portal.

  • Department officials confirmed that there is no registration process for businesses to participate in the scheme. The only criteria is that the business must have a merchant code so that the pre-paid card can be used in a POS system.

  • Department officials stated that they are working with Chambers of Commerce and other sectors to try and introduce promotions for local communities. This includes, for example, to encourage midweek spending, as research suggests that the majority of spending from this Voucher will be undertaken on weekends.

  • The cards can be used for click-and-collect services, where an individual orders and pays over the phone for example, and gets it delivered to their home.

  • 16-17 year olds will not have access to the High Street Voucher due to concerns regarding verification of their identity.

  • An individual’s name will be printed on the pre-paid card, but no ID is needed to validate a purchase. Individuals can grant permission to others to use their card even if it is not in their name.

Travel the world from your cinema seat with Docs Ireland festival! 

Belfast-born filmmaker Mark Cousins.

Belfast-born filmmaker Mark Cousins.

Film fans will be able to travel the world without leaving their cinema seats at the Docs Ireland festival, which takes place in Belfast from 25 - 29 August.

With films from Chile, Hong Kong, Uganda, India, Taiwan, Cuba, Russia, Iraq, Brazil, Zambia, Mexico and the US as well as the UK and Ireland, festival goers will be able to explore the lives and lands of people from numerous cultures as they watch from the comfort of Belfast cinemas including Queen’s Film Theatre, the Odeon Belfast and Strand Cinema.

After almost two years of online events, the Docs Ireland team are delighted to be back in front of the big screen with live audiences.

Docs Ireland will open on Wednesday 25 August with a specially restored screening of the 1958 classic ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ which includes footage of Jazz legends Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Thelonious Monk from the famous Newport Jazz Festival. The screening will be hosted at a unique outdoor setting at the Hidden Huntley Walled Garden, where audiences can bring their own picnic and enjoy a live set by Martello Jazz Band before watching the film.

‘The Story of Film: A New Generation’ by Belfast’s very own Mark Cousins premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and Docs Ireland audiences will be treated to a sneak preview of this brand new critically acclaimed documentary, as well as an interview with the director.

‘Untold Secrets’, by acclaimed director Teresa Lavina, looks at the life and upbringing of the late Anne Silke, a young survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

‘Oliver Sacks: His Own Life’ explores the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller, as he shares intimate details of his battles with drug addiction, homophobia, and a medical establishment that accepted his work only decades after the fact.

Through its commitment to showcasing diversity in its annual programme, Docs Ireland has partnered with aemi and film distributor Kino Rebelde to present a celebration of international experimental filmmaking from Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the US and Spain.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“Two years is a long time and while it has been brilliant to be able to host events online during lockdown, nothing compares to the authentic cinema experience and the way in which it brings people together.

We started Docs Ireland because of the quality of documentary work being created on this island, combined with the exciting future potential of the Irish non-fiction industry. 

The new crop of Irish films which feature in the festival are truly inspiring and don’t follow what we might think of as ‘traditional’ Irish themes.  From films about spies in Cuba, to the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Russia, Irish filmmakers are going out into the world and bringing us back powerful stories, told in a fresh new way.” 

To find out more information and to book your tickets for Docs Ireland, visit docsireland.ie 

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, TG4, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Film Hub NI, BFI FAN, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon and Belfast Media Group.

Community Pharmacies still getting the jab done with first and second doses available

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene

Community Pharmacy NI is urging those who have yet to receive their Covid-19 vaccine to do so at their local pharmacy as more pharmacies join the Moderna programme.

Following the success of The Big Jab Weekend and the closure of mass vaccination sites, the negotiating body for community pharmacies across Northern Ireland is reminding those who have yet to receive their first jab that it can be accessed at a number of local community pharmacies.

Currently, around 50 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are administering the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to all age cohorts over 18. Some 350 pharmacies are also providing the AstraZeneca to those aged over 40.

From its roll-out in March 2021, the Community Pharmacy Vaccine Programme has already successfully administered more than 135,000 Covid-19 jabs. It is estimated that these numbers will increase as community pharmacies become a leading provider of first doses of the vaccine through the Department of Health’s Evergreen Programme.

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said:

“It was fantastic to see the success of The Big Jab Weekend with the high turnout seen across vaccine centres, mobile units and community pharmacies. As the mass vaccine centres now close, we are urging those who have yet to receive their vaccine to book an appointment with a community pharmacy and get the jab in a convenient, accessible location. We encourage those seeking the vaccine at a community pharmacy to check out the web portal so you can find the closest vaccinating pharmacy.

 

“Getting vaccinated is the greatest protection from the virus and the best tool on offer to help Northern Ireland move out of restrictions and return to normal society. In the coming weeks, we will see a further uplift of pharmacies providing the Moderna vaccine, which will expand the options available for those who remain unvaccinated. 

“We would also remind the public that community pharmacies remain open with support and guidance for any medical concern. The vaccination programme does not impact on other services and prescriptions are still being delivered in a safe, convenient and timely manner for all. Public health continues to be our top priority and the community pharmacy network remains committed to serving their communities. Please be patient with your local pharmacy teams as we work to ensure all patients are supported during this time.”

To find out which pharmacies are providing the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines: https://covid-19.hscni.net/community-pharmacy-covid-19-vaccination-service/

 

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore announces Eimear Brown as new Head of Audit

Eimear Brown, new Head of Audit at leading accountancy and advisory firm, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, with Joanne Small, Partner, Audit & Assurance.

Eimear Brown, new Head of Audit at leading accountancy and advisory firm, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, with Joanne Small, Partner, Audit & Assurance.

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

The senior appointment comes in a period of sustained growth for the established firm, which specialises in Audit & Assurance, Taxation, Restructuring & Insolvency and Consulting.

Eimear joins the well-known accountancy brand with over 16 years of experience in roles in Dublin and Belfast, both in ‘big 4’ and ‘mid-tier’ practices.

Commenting on the new appointment, Joanne Small, Audit & Assurance Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“This is a significant hire for us at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and is a real statement of intent for the business, adding another highly respected and trusted adviser to our ambitious team.”

“Eimear brings with her a wealth of experience and insight gained in previous senior positions in Dublin and Belfast and will play a critical role as we enhance our services for our established and new clients.”

“As the new Head of Audit, Eimear will also be responsible for staff training and development, ensuring that our exacting standards are maintained across our team. Her leadership skills and her sense of purpose will have significant impact as we emerge post pandemic.”

Eimear Brown, new Director and Head of Audit at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore added:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Baker Tilly Mooney Moore team during a period of expansion at the firm. I am hopeful that as our clients get back to business, back trading, and back to full operations, that the future will be one of positive economic growth. It’s the right time to join such a highly regarded and dedicated firm.”

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

She added:

“The evolving regulatory environment means that there are always new challenges that provide opportunities for firms such as Baker Tilly Mooney Moore to stand out and I’m looking forward to embracing those.” 

“Dealing with the outworking of the pandemic, the new trading environment shaped by Brexit, and the increased emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, has placed extra pressures on businesses and organisations and I am confident that our team can rise to those challenges, making sure our clients are in the best position.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 23 August 2021

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Forward Look

  • The First and deputy First Ministers have said that the Executive is “ready to do what it can” to help Afghan refugees. A further announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

  • The Department of Health is holding its ‘Big Jab Weekend’ to give people even more opportunities to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The promotion, which will end on Sunday will see Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination centres offer walk-in first jabs.

  • Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young told the Health Committee he expects Covid-19 case numbers “will peak within the next week” while he also predicts there will be a further increase once schools, colleges, and universities return.

  • Pam Cameron MLA outlined that the first tranche of cards as part of the High Street Voucher Scheme is to roll out in mid-September with a further four tranches expected after.

  • The Financial Times has reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to delay a much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle until after COP26 and the worst of the pandemic is over.

  • Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Aine Murphy, announced that it is her intention to introduce a Private Members Bill to the Assembly in the Autumn to ban fracking.

  • The Irish News has reported that local political parties are preparing to hold annual conferences in the autumn. The UUP will host its conference on 8 and 9 October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sinn Féin is expected to hold its Ard Fheis in Dublin at the end of October while the SDLP is expected to hold its in Derry in the same month.

  • The Government published its UK hydrogen strategy, which sets outs its approach to developing a low carbon sector in the UK to meet their ambition for 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Link to strategy: HERE

  • The Department of Health has reminded stakeholders to respond to the Public Consultation on the introduction of a statutory Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland. The consultation deadline is on 31 August. For more information: LINK

  • A Belfast City Council Brexit Committee heard this week that port infrastructure in Belfast that is required for NI Protocol checks will not be in place until 2023. Councillors were told that hiring new port staff will be ‘challenging’.

  • The Economy Committee will meet next Wednesday to receive a Departmental update on the High Street Voucher Scheme.

  • The Centre for Cross Border Studies will hold its 22nd Annual Conference on 24 September. To register attendance: LINK

  • Tickets are now available for the Docs Ireland film festival, running from 25 to 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK.

 

Other Stories this week

  • Labour market statistics published this week by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showed that the number of proposed redundances in July has been the highest of 2021.

  • House prices in Northern Ireland are 9% higher than the same period last year, according to official figures. It is the biggest annual rise since 2007 and the biggest quarterly increase since 2016.

  • The Flagship Centre in Bangor, County Down, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to developers Brookland Property.

  • The Department of Health released details of the NI Health and Social Care Workforce Census as on 31 March 2021. To view the report: LINK

  • Jude Webber is the new Financial Times Ireland correspondent replacing Laura Noonan. She was previously the Mexico and Central America correspondent for the paper.

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA published revised Covid guidance setting out how schools and educational settings should plan for the next academic year. The guidance can be read here: LINK

  • Ciaran O’Neill announced he is joining the Sunday Independent. He was previously the manging editor of Derry News and Derry Now.

  • The total value of imports from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland jumped by more than three quarters in the first six months since Brexit compared to the same period last year, according to new data from the Republic’s Central Statistics Office.

Trailer released of highly anticipated 'Ryan McMullan: Debut' ahead of special screening at Docs Ireland

Fine Point Films and Cyprus Avenue Films are pleased to share the official UK and Irish trailer for the highly anticipated documentary Ryan McMullan: Debut.

The documentary will screen on Saturday 28 August at the Docs Ireland Film Festival in Belfast and then open in cinemas across Ireland from Friday 3 September.

The documentary is funded by BBC Northern Ireland and YellowMoon and produced by Fine Point Films and Cyprus Avenue Films. It follows the up-and-coming singer songwriter as he prepares for the release of his debut album.

Ryan McMullan: Debut had its critically acclaimed world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on 24 July.

The film centres around a 4-day recording and listening session in Cruit Island, County Donegal at the end of 2019, where Ryan and his team assess all the songs competing for a place on the album.

Against this majestic landscape, we get to know the film’s key players – the film’s principal, Ryan McMullan, his artist/mentor Foy Vance and manager/drummer Paul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton. Threaded throughout is the back story of how Ryan has reached this point, including footage from his support tours with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol.

Jazz legends hit the big screen at Docs Ireland opening event

Louis Armstrong performing in ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’.

Louis Armstrong performing in ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’.

The music of jazz legends including Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Thelonious Monk will be celebrated at the opening event at next week’s Docs Ireland festival.

A special outdoor screening of the newly restored classic jazz documentary, ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ will be shown in the intimate surroundings of the Secret Garden at Hidden Huntley in South Belfast, on Wednesday 25 August.

Co-directors Bert Stern and Aram Avakian’s legendary film is set at the now famous 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, and features some of the greatest jazz performers of all time such as Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O’Day, and Louis Armstrong.

Setting the scene for the screening will be the Martello Jazz Band, who will treat the Docs Ireland audience to a special live performance before the film is shown.

Docs Ireland Festival Director, Michele Devlin said:

“’Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ is quite simply the best feature length jazz film ever made, so we’re setting the bar high with our first screening at Docs Ireland this year.

“As well as showcasing new talents at the festival, we also feel it’s important to celebrate our cinematic heritage and to bring rarely screened masterpieces to Northern Ireland audiences.

“With a beautifully restored film; the gorgeous surroundings of the Hidden Huntley gardens and a live music performance by the wonderful Martello Jazz Band, audiences will be in for an unforgettable night of music and cinema.”

Tickets for ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ at Hidden Huntley are £8 full price, £7 concession and can be booked online now at www.docsireland.ie

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland.

Spotlight recognised for outstanding contribution to documentary filmmaking

(L-R) Jennifer O'Leary, Darragh MacIntyre and Mandy McAuley, the reporting team on Spotlight on The Troubles: A Secret History.

(L-R) Jennifer O'Leary, Darragh MacIntyre and Mandy McAuley, the reporting team on Spotlight on The Troubles: A Secret History.

BBC Northern Ireland's flagship investigative current affairs programme Spotlight will be awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Documentary Film this year by Docs Ireland.

The hard-hitting investigative programme has shone a light and unearthed some of the most important stories in Northern Ireland since it first aired in 1973 and a range of its work over the years will be shown at this year's festival.

Over the past five decades, Spotlight has covered stories about the Troubles, social issues like poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, and some of the most explosive political scandals in recent years like RHI, as well as compelling human interest stories.

Two years ago, it broadcast the much-lauded series Spotlight on The Troubles: A Secret History, fronted by Darragh MacIntyre, Jennifer O'Leary and Mandy McAuley.

The programme has spawned some of the finest investigative journalists and documentary filmmakers. Broadcasters Jeremy Paxman, Gavin Esler and Alex Thomson spent the early part of their careers in Spotlight.

Stephen Hackett, Head of Programming at Docs Ireland, said:

"Docs Ireland is delighted to award the BBC Spotlight team this Outstanding Contribution to Documentary Film award. Spotlight's work during the past 47 years is exceptional in both its scope and detail. The team have told essential stories, investigated corruption, and examined a wide range of socio-political issues that impact all our lives.

"The dedication of the many journalists, reporters and production teams in making these programmes deserves to be acknowledged. Their work over the years has had far reaching implications and effected real change in our society. We are thrilled to celebrate their work at our festival and present this award."

Spotlight will be celebrated throughout this year's Docs Ireland festival with four special screenings to be held in the Ulster Museum:

*       Spotlight: Tourism, Thursday 26 August

*       Spotlight: The Pit Bull Sting, Thursday 26 August

*       Spotlight: Alcoholism, Friday 27 August

*       Spotlight at 40, Sunday 29 August

Gwyneth Jones, Editor of Spotlight, said:

"It's an honour that our work is being recognised in this way. It's a reflection of almost 50 years on the air and acknowledges the team's commitment to telling significant stories, asking hard questions and holding to account. So many brilliant journalists have worked on Spotlight down through the years, serving the audience and contributing to its place in broadcasting here. We're delighted to receive this award."

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon, Film Hub NI and BBC Northern Ireland.

To find out more about this year's programme and book tickets for Docs Ireland, visit www.docsireland.ie

New NILGA President calls on NI Executive to ‘get real’ about local councils

Newly-appointed NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess (UUP, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) at Belfast Castle

Newly-appointed NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess (UUP, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) at Belfast Castle

The new President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has called on the NI Executive to ‘get real’ about local government and recognise local councils as being absolutely essential to Covid recovery.

Speaking at his inauguration at NILGA’s AGM this morning at Belfast Castle, the Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Robert Burgess (UUP) outlined what local government can do to make Northern Ireland a more inclusive and sustainable place to work, live, visit, and do business in.

The Covid pandemic has seriously hit the finances of the 11 local councils, as revenue streams like leisure and tourism facilities, off-street car parking and other vital services were forced to reduce or stop.

Laying out his vision for the next 12 months, Cllr Burgess stated that improvement within councils themselves would be key, focusing on areas like learning and development, new ways of providing services, and prioritising issues like recruitment, back-office services, planning, and economic development.

He also looked ahead to the COP26 UN climate summit being held in Glasgow in November, followed by NILGA’s annual conference in Bangor on November 24th, with the Association showcasing the positive climate work of all our councils.

Speaking at the AGM, new NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess (UUP, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) said:

“While I don’t underestimate the challenges facing local government right now, I am excited to take up this role on behalf of our 11 local councils. After nearly 18 months of operating during the pandemic, we are more financially strapped than we were before Covid, while our capacity and resources remain stretched to the absolute limit.

“It’s time that central government at Stormont and Westminster got real about the challenges facing our councils, as well the opportunities of devolving powers and resources to them. Local government remained stable when Stormont was down for three years. We deliver day in, day out for our constituents and local citizens. While we have had a commitment from central government that powers like town and city regeneration will finally be devolved down to councils, we need to see words followed by action, including the progression of important legislation like an all-encompassing Devolution Bill.

“As NILGA President, I plan to work collaboratively with all 11 councils, members, senior officers, council officials and Stormont to redefine the relationship between central and local government in our region. I will work tirelessly to get the proper funding and resources that we require and deserve. Despite everything that it contributes to our communities, local government equates to less than £900 million of Northern Ireland’s annual public sector budget of £24bn. Councils can be hubs of economic vitality and lead the recovery from Covid-19, but they need the right tools and resources to do so.”

Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett (Sinn Féin, Belfast City Council) said:

“It has been a privilege to be President of NILGA over the past year. As an organisation, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to deliver solutions for our communities, in the toughest of circumstances.

“Covid has dominated my presidency, but I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in this time. I want to thank my local government colleagues in all parties and independent members, as well as officers right across the 11 councils, for their positive solution-finding attitudes, and our partners in the Assembly and Executive, for their significant support which has helped our councils stay afloat.

“I have seen the very best of local government, in the worst of times, when our existence was called into question. I sincerely hope that our councils are recognised fully by those at Stormont with a new deal for local government, which properly finances and resources us, and allows us to deliver better and faster for our communities.

“I wish Cllr Burgess every success for the next year and I and my colleagues in the cross-party NILGA Executive will support him and the rest of the team at every turn.”