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'Councils need scale, capacity and political fairness' says Langhammer

Press release 30.6.05

"Councils need scale, capacity and political fairness"
From:Mark Langhammer, Labour Party (National Executive)
Labour seeks meeting with Lord Rooker to discuss its submission to the Review of Public Administration

"The most important issue of substance on the political landscape" says Langhammer

Labour Party National Executive Member, Mark Langhammer has launched the Labour Party submission to the Review of Public Administration stating that, in the absence of political progress on other fronts, the RPA represents the most substantial political development in Northern Ireland in years.

The Labour submission supports the Review of Public Administration's 7 Council model, but has suggested more powers to Councils should be subject to political and representational fairness, set out in statute.

Chair of the Labour Party's local branch, the Northern Ireland Labour Forum, Mark Langhammer, commented:
"The Labour submission is clear and unambiguous. We support the seven Council model. Arguments from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association for "local identity" are self serving and spurious attempts at the preservation of the local communal political capacity - nothing more"
"Extra powers to local Government are welcomed, particularly powers in statutory area planning. Labour has suggested new Council powers in facilities management of library buildings, and - potentially - of some school buildings - opening up the prospect of extended schools in some areas. Labour has also recommended that remaining public bodies should be democratised, with significant councillor representation."
"There is however a quid pro quo. The days of majoritarianism as widely practiced in many Eastern Councils is over. The quid pro quo for more powers is both the size and capacity of Councils and systems of proportionality in political dealings."
"The Labour Party will now seek a meeting with the Review team, as well as with Lord Rooker. Labour has proposed a significant reduction in councillor numbers - from 581 to 200 - as well as an end to "double jobbing" (where MPs and MLAs also act as councillors). We are saying, very clearly "one person, one job"
Mark Langhammer