Councillors demand improved training

As negotiations continue to determine whether a central fund for local government staff is also supposed to fund training for elected members, the Borough’s representatives have argued that current provision is inadequate.

Cllr Stewart Dickson told this week’s meeting of the Support Services committee that the prospect of a delay to the reorganisation of local government means the existing 26 councils cannot wash their hands of the matter.

“We are facing elections and any new councillors need the benefit of appropriate training in everything from corporate governance - an area which is sadly lacking among members of councils today - preparing budgets, financial and other responsibilities,” he said.

“There is wide scope for training for members and it needs to be looked at properly.”

Cllr Eric Ferguson said suitable courses are offered in Great Britain, but that councillors in Northern Ireland may feel reluctant to take up the opportunities available because they fear voters would object to the travel costs involved.

“A similar situation in Northern Ireland to what they have in Scotland, Wales and England would be better than what they have at the moment, because there is nothing happening at the moment,” he added.

Cllr Ferguson also claimed that up to 15,000 per year is set aside for councillors training, but questioned how much of the fund is actually spent.

Cllr Louise Marsden, who said she had paid for her own training in the past, agreed: “I do not think there is enough provided. We, as people at the head of Carrick Council, should be receiving traning, especially given the current economic environment we find ourself in and the challenges we face.”