Countil to get legal advice from Derry

Members of the Corporate and Resources Committee has recommended that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council set up a two-year service level agreement with Derry and Strabane District Council for legal services.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th May 2015, 08:07 BST
Council leader, David Jackson.Council leader, David Jackson.
Council leader, David Jackson.

It means that Council will have the use of a solicitor and the support of a legal hub from Derry and Strabane at the cost of £70 an hour.

The cost to Causeway Council will be £28,746.

Council’s Head of Convergence, Stephen McMaw, furnished members with comparative figures from Belfast City Council for a similar agreement but said the Derry and Strabane option was better value for money - £55,400 per annum compared to £92,336 for Belfast.

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SDLP alderman Maura Hickey said she had supported the original proposal to go with the Derry proposal and she had no hesitation in supporting it again. “It’s a no brainer,” she said.

While supporting the proposal the UUP’s Cllr Aaron Callan asked chief executive, David Jackson, how many legal cases from legacy council were pending.

Mr Jackson said the cases numbered 25 and some were “quite sensitive”. “I can’t give members and estimated expenditure until they have run their course.”

TUV Cllr Sharon McKillop supported the recommendation saying it represented value for money.

Related topics:Glens Borough CouncilBelfast City CouncilCauseway CoastStrabane District CouncilDerry