'Local authority numbers must be cut' - Beggs
AN investigation by a regional newspaper into local councillor's expenses has been welcomed by East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs.
The UUP man said the findings of the investigation “highlight the need for urgent local government reform”. He added: “The Ulster Unionist Party recognises the need to cut the number of councils and to improve it’s efficiency and level of responsibility. Precious resources continue to be put at risk with local government investment in the 11 council model, yet the DUP and Sinn Fein have still to agree the new boundaries.
“Due to the failure of the DUP, we will now go into the new council elections with 26 councils and the likelihood of a change to the system will be left hanging until after the dissolution of this Assembly. The reform of local government is stumbling from one crisis to another.”