THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Local Councils now major players in Northern Ireland ’ s Economic Drive
Ahead of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association ’ s annual conference next month , its Chief Executive , Derek McCallan , says that our councils are well placed to drive business growth and entrepreneurship locally and internationally .
T
he 11 councils here in Northern Ireland are dynamic hubs of public service delivery and economic development . Councils are so much more than the administrators of bins , births and burials . Collectively they spend around £ 1billion annually in our economy with an aspiration and ambition to do so much more .
Economic and sustainable development can have a truly transformative effect on people and places . It is our councils who are best positioned to understand current need and future requirements in their specific areas . Working collectively , they can significantly contribute to the prosperity of Northern Ireland .
All councils are driving forward with major social , business and government partners their Community and Growth Plans which focus on specific needs . It ’ s integration in practice , not theory . On top of this , it is clear to see that within all 11 councils , there is fervent and professional ambition to attract business from beyond Northern Ireland .
Councils Driving Local Economies
As the political impasse continues , the need for local councils to play a bigger role in investment and infrastructure is growing . Previously the plaudits for bringing jobs and investment into Northern Ireland was always the preserve of the likes of the Department for the Economy . The collapse of the Executive and protracted talks at Stormont are starting to clearly show the crucial role that local councils play .
There is now an energy and determination amongst the councils to showcase what they have to offer to indigenous and international investors . Their energy and positive attitude is assisting them in standing out from the crowd which includes other regions across these islands .
As we move forward , the councils have a compelling proposition , but there is still more that can be done to support them . It is ludicrous that we still do not have the power of regeneration as it has a vital role in developing spaces and places that attracts entrepreneurs and enterprises with employees who want to work and live in areas that reflect their lifestyles . We don ’ t want to take power away ; we want to have the same powers so that we are not put at a competitive disadvantage .
Brexit As Brexit looms large , we are still no clearer
44 www . businessfirstonline . co . uk on how the new order , in whatever shape or form , will be a help or a hindrance . The success of business and economic development needs a certain level of predictability . So far , we are just not seeing that from the British government .
As Scotland and Wales move forward with material proposals on Brexit and a politically governed Programme for Government and budget , we are being left behind . Instead , our affairs are being nursed by civil servants , which is a fact not a criticism .
Councils were proposed as being crucial to this piece before the Assembly collapsed . It ’ s time that they are given real powers and real resources to do what they do in all neighbouring areas , as well as solve this widening democratic gap before we are faced with a real mess . NILGA is working with all councils and industry partners on driving our economy and getting policy influence on Brexit . We have raised these issues in London with Brexit Minister Steve Baker MP and continue to engage .
Upcoming Conference – Local Enterprise , Global Reach
Next month the NILGA annual conference will set out the stall for the role of councils in economic and sustainable development like never before . The proposition of our member councils and their confidence in seeking inward investment , assisting growing businesses and helping to create jobs is crystal clear .
Councils and local economies are increasingly at the forefront of investment and enterprise in Northern Ireland . With the increased services , functions and responsibilities of the 11 councils , significant global opportunities are now available to transform the local government sector and with it the communities we serve . This is a key event in the business calendar with around 150 elected representatives , officials , delegates and business leaders attending to share knowledge , skills and ideas . We hope to see you there . A range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available for the conference on 12 October . For more information log on to www . nilga . org