Members discuss legal advice

At last Tuesday night’s first meeting of Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee members were asked to consider options available for the future provision of Legal Services.

As the new councils now have increased powers in relation to planning, it is expected that the need for legal advice will be greater than that of the four legacy councils.

Council Officer, Stephen McMaw put forward a recommendation that Council should approve a 2-year Service Level Agreement with Derry and Strabane District Council for the provision of Legal Services. This would see a junior solicitor based within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and would allow Council wider access to a hub, both within Derry and Strabane District Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane proposed that the recommendation should be accepted, however, TUV councillor Sharon McKillop put forward an amendment asking for Council to explore a service legal agreement cost with Belfast City Council to ensure that Council was getting the best legal service.

On being put to a vote the five members voted for the amendment, and five voted against. Committee Chair, Alderman Norman Hillis had the casting vote, he voted in favour of the amendment.