AQO 972/16-21

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 12/01/2017
Answered On Date: 25/01/2017
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on discussions with District Councils in relation to regeneration powers.

Answer:

Following my statement to the Assembly on 22 November 2016, announcing my decision not extend the Department's urban regeneration and community development powers to local government, I have received correspondence from a number of local councils asking me to reconsider. I have advised them that I will not be reconsidering my position on the matter.

Through my Chairmanship of the Partnership Panel, which affords an important connection between the Executive and local government, I will be able to engage with them on the future of regeneration in their areas.

Local Government has played, and will to continue to play, a huge role in ensuring the successful implementation of the Department’s regeneration programmes.