New body may deal with flags

THE issue of symbols and flags at local government level should not be shirked in the run down to the Review of Public Administration (RPA) and may have to be addressed by a new cross-party group, according to Local Government Minister Alex Attwood.

By Kevin Mullan

Published 17th Mar 2013, 16:27 BST

The Minister said he raised the issue at the first meeting of the Local Government Political Reference Group (PRG) before Christmas.

He explained: “At the first meeting before Christmas of the Local Government PRG - to which all Assembly parties are invited - I raised the issues of flags and related matters.

“I stated that given the profile and importance of the issue, it may be an issue that the PRG may require to address in the rundown to RPA.

“If this needs to be done - as it may - the challenge should not be shirked. I will make an assessment of if this is needed - but will clearly have regard to what is or is not happening around other discussions.”

He said that local Councils are independent of central government and accountable to the local electorate and ratepayers.

However, they are directly answerable to the Equality Commission in respect of complying with their equality duties.

PRG