NEW NILGA 2019 Councillor Guide

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

NEW NILGA 2019 Councillor Guide COUNCILLOR GUIDE 2019 Information and resources to support you in your role as a Councillor in Northern Ireland’s Local Authorities Contents Welcome Page 4 Welcome to NILGA Page 5 Part 1 Your Role as a Councillor 1(a) The Councillor’s Role Page 12 1(b) Support for Councillors Page 19 1(c) Personal Development Page 24 1(d) Outside Bodies Page 29 Part 2 The Local Government Sector 2(a) Background and Context Page 36 2(b) Council Functions Page 40 2(c) Decisions and the Law Page 52 Part 3 Place Shaping Page 66 Part 4 Strategic Bodies Page 84 Appendix Page 116 This document was produced using sustainable materials 3 Welcome Congratulations and welcome to local government! It’s the Northern Ireland Local Government more experienced councillor and is designed Association’s pleasure to congratulate you to add to the support and guidance you will on being elected as a councillor and to receive from your own council. It explores welcome you to the local government family. some of the main issues and challenges facing local government today and includes hints and For many of you, this will be your first time in tips from experienced councillors. elected office and this honour will give you a completely new perspective on how important Whether you have a few hours to spare or just councils are in improving the wellbeing of those in our communities. 10 minutes, you will find helpful information here about areas in which you may become This Guide produced by the Northern Ireland involved. Local Government Association, (NILGA), is designed to provide you with the key You can find lots of further information on information you need to know as a new or NILGA’s website: www.nilga.org Produced with the support of the Local Government Training Group (LGTG) 4 Welcome to NILGA Devolution, Shared Services, Waste Management; Community Planning, Local Development Planning, Economic Development; Strategic Migration, and the Programme for Government. NILGA and the 11-member councils have a The Northern Ireland Local Government Programme for Local Government which will Association (NILGA), established in October be reviewed in 2021. This provides a Vision 2001, is the representative and policy body for Local Government in Northern Ireland, to for District Councils in Northern Ireland grow its powers, responsibilities and resources and is often known as “the Voice of Local gradually over time – and to ensure local Government”. government is a strong, professional, diverse, grassroots connected and inclusive part of NILGA promotes, develops, champions, how Northern Ireland is governed. protects and improves the local government sector in Northern Ireland, offering policy guidance, delivering elected member learning NILGA’s representation on the and development, and negotiating National National Joint Council for Local Pay agreements. Working with councillors Government Services (NJC) and officers, NILGA represents local councils in Northern Ireland at UK national, The principal way in which terms and Irish, European, Commonwealth and other conditions of employment for employees in international groupings. local government are set is through national, collective bargaining, where representatives The Association is led by all member councils of councils and council employees meet and is supported by political parties at both to negotiate those terms and conditions. local and central government. NILGA has Generally, collective bargaining takes place formed effective corporate relationships with at three levels in local government: nationally, all relevant departments in central government, regionally and locally. the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and Senior Managers, officer The national level covers all council employees networks, and other key agencies in the in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - public, voluntary and private sectors. It has Scotland has its own arrangements. The sister bodies in England (the LGA), Scotland national level of bargaining is concerned with (COSLA), Wales (WLGA) and Ireland (AILG / negotiating the broad framework of conditions Regional Assemblies). of service, including issues considered to be core, minimum conditions. The regional NILGA is constituted by - and accountable level of bargaining consists of eleven regions to - the member councils as the sector’s (nine in England plus one each in Wales and representative body. The Association takes Northern Ireland). This tier is concerned with a proactive approach to policy development the application of the national conditions within for, and with, councils in Northern Ireland, each region, together with the negotiation contributing to issues which include: Local of any region-specific matters. The regional Government Reform and Improvement; bodies are also charged with advising on 5 the interpretation of national and regional As an Employers’ Association, it also has agreements and can assist with the resolution representation on the National Association of of any disputes between a council and its Regional Employers (NARE) which provides employees within the region. All other matters a direct access to both member and officer are for local determination between individual learning, from across 13 regions, and enables councils and their employees. Most employees best practice, free and low-cost training, within councils (around 95%) fall under the learning tools and similar advantages to be National Agreement on Pay and Conditions tailored for each and every council in Northern of Service, known in local government as the Ireland. NILGA is a registered and licensed ‘Green Book’, which sets out the conditions of “Charter” provider, namely the nationally service negotiated by the National Joint Council accredited Award for Councils committed for Local Government Services (the ‘NJC’). to member development, an initiative which at its fullest level requires assessment and endorsement from the community which you and your Council serves. Workforce and Development As above mentioned, NILGA is a registered NILGA retains a strong link and input into the Employers’ Association. In that role, NILGA Local Government Training Group, which is represents district councils in Northern Ireland, an all council grouping resourced to provide as employers, in discussions nationally and workforce and member training / learning interacts with trade unions recognised as / development in a regionally co-ordinated representing employees in local government. manner for the 11 councils. Causeway Coast & Glens Mid & East Antrim Derry City & Strabane Antrim & N’abbey Mid Ulster Ards Belfast & North Down Fermanagh & Omagh Lisburn & Castlereagh Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Newry Mourne & Down 6 Your Induction Toolkit Use this Induction toolkit to help you prepare for your role as an elected member. INDUCTION CHECKLIST Tick off the tasks below as you do them. Members’ Room Record information relevant to your Council Members’ Services Department and useful documents to refer back to using Pigeonholes for councillors’ post the note paper at the back of this guide. Office equipment for members’ use (photocopiers, phones, computers, printers) SIGNING UP Library or reference area, including copies of local and national newspapers I have: Refreshment/ canteen area Signed my acceptance of office Fire exits Completed the Council’s Declaration of Interests form BASIC INFORMATION Received a copy of the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for I have had: Councillors A meet and greet with senior Council Informed the Council of any additional staff including the Chief Executive, Heads needs with which they can assist me in my of Departments and other key officers role I have access to: FIRST THINGS FIRST An organisational chart of the Council’s I have been supplied with: internal management A list of other Council members, their DEAs A security pass and a Council diary and political affiliation A mobile phone, tablet and / or laptop Key Council strategy documents including The opening hours of the main Council the Corporate Plan, Best Value Strategy, Offices and Service Depots Equality and Emergency Plans, Annual A guided tour of the main Council building Report, etc. and facilities, including Council chambers Documents such as statistics about and A map outlining the layout of the main key issues in my Council area Council Offices, buildings and car parks A schedule of full Council meetings, committee meetings and sub committee SETTLING IN meetings I can find the following: The Council’s Member Allowance scheme and claim forms Chief Executive’s Office Claim forms should be submitted to: 7 The date that claims forms should be submitted by is: I am a member of the following Council committees or panels: I have been appointed to represent the Council on the following outside bodies: COUNCIL PROVISIONS FOR MEMBERS I have investigated that my Council can Find out how Council takes decisions and provide me with: learn how you can influence them Initially concentrate on areas that you have A Council email address and business an interest in and become knowledgeable cards A computer and mobile phone to carry out in them Council business outside Council hours Take advantage of formal training offered An official photograph by your Council A press-cutting service, if available Keep a copy of the Northern Ireland Administrative support and ongoing IT Local Government Code of Conduct training for Councillors to hand and be aware of its A role profile/Code
Recommended publications
  • IRC192059 Strangford Ferry Purser Department for Regional
    Candidate Information Booklet IRC192059 Strangford Ferry Purser Department for Regional Development (DRD), Transport NI Completed Application Forms must be returned to HRConnect no later than 12 noon (UK time) on Friday 23 rd May 2014 Department for Regional Annex B 15 Development Improving the quality of life for everyone Commu nic ation between HRConnect and you HRConnect will issue electronically as many competition communications as possible, you should therefore check your email account to make sure that you don’t miss any important communications in relation to this competition. There may, however, still be a necessity to issue some correspondence by hard copy mail. Contents Page Background 3 Job Description 6 Person Specification 11 Selection Process 14 General Information 18 Annex A Nationality 25 Annex B Civil Service Commissioners 26 BACKGROUND The Department for Regional Development and its Arms Length Bodies maintain and develop infrastructure and services that are vital for everyone in Northern Ireland. The Department employs around 2300 people with a budget of £908m. Our range of functions include: • regional strategic planning and development policy; • transport strategy and sustainable transport policy; • provision and maintenance of all public roads; • public transport policy and performance; • certain policy and support work for air and sea ports; and • policy on water and sewerage services and management of the Department’s shareholder interest in Northern Ireland Water. The Department for Regional Development delivers its services through a Core Group and Transport NI a business area within the Department. Further information on the Department can be found on our website www.drdni.gov.uk Or by writing to:- Strategic Planning Branch 4th Floor, Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB Transport NI Transport NI is managed by a Management Group, headed by a Deputy Secretary and supported by five Directors.
    [Show full text]
  • Who Was Henry L. Shattuck?
    Henry Lee Shattuck . The Research Bureau’s Public Service Awards are state and city government where his integrity and great legislators of this century on Beacon Hill. He named in honor of Henry Lee Shattuck, Chairman of reliability made him a strong moral force. had intellect, integrity and an intense devotion to the Research Bureau for 17 years, from 1942 to public service and was absolutely fearless.” No In 1908, Mr. Shattuck was elected to the 1958 and a guiding force behind the establishment Boston political figure in this century was held in Republican Ward Committee, a role he maintained of the Research Bureau in 1932. Mr. Shattuck was a higher bipartisan esteem than Henry Shattuck. for almost sixty years. He was elected to the lawyer, businessman, State Legislator and City Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1919 Even as a private citizen, Henry Shattuck remained Councillor. He personified integrity, exceptional and became a member of the House Committee of involved in public affairs and issues until his death initiative, outstanding leadership and sincere Ways and Means from 1920 through 1930, six years in 1971 at the age of ninety-one. Because of his commitment to public service. These are the of which he served as the committee chairman. interest and support, many young candidates characteristics which are represented by each founded careers in public office, enriching the fabric recipient of the Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Henry Shattuck decided not to run for reelection to of local government beyond his own lifetime. Henry Award. a seventh straight term in 1930 in order to L.
    [Show full text]
  • Vichansard 19951012 19951024
    VICTORIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) FIFWI'Y-SECOND PARLIAMENT SPRING SESSION 1995 Legislative Assembly VOL. 426 [From 12 October 1995 to 2 November 1995] By Autbority: VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER The Governor His Excellency the Honourable RICHARD E. McGARVIE The Lieutenant-Governor His Excellency the Honourable SIR JOHN McINTOSH YOUNG, AC, KCMG The Ministry [AS FROM 13 JL"NE 1995] Premier, and Minister for Ethnic Affairs ..... The Hon. J.G. Kennett, MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Police and ...... The Hon. P.J. McNamara. MP Emergency Services, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Tourism Minister for Industry and Employment.. ...... The Hon. P.A. Gude, MP and Minister for Regional Development Minister for Roads and Ports ........................ The Hon. W.R. Baxter, MLC Minister for Conservation and Environment, The Hon. M.A. Birrell, MLC and Minister for Major Projects Minister for Public Transport....................... The Hon. AJ. Brown, MP Minister for Natural Resources ..................... The Hon. C.G. Coleman, MP Minister for Finance and .............................. The Hon. R.M. Hallam, MLC Minister for Local Government Minister for Education................................. The Hon. D.K. Hayward, MP Minister for Small Business, and Minister.... The Hon. V.P. Heffernan, OAM, MP responsible for Youth Affairs Minister for Community Services, and ........ The Hon. Michael John, MP Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Housing, and Minister for ........ The Hon. R.!. Knowles, MP Aged Care Minister for Agriculture ............................... The Hon. W.D.McGrath, MP Minister for Planning ................................... The Hon. R.R.C. Maclellan, MP Minister for Industry Services ...................... The Hon. Roger Pescott, MP Minister for Energy and Minerals, and. ........ The Hon. S.J. Plowman, MP Minister Assisting the Treasurer on State Owned Enterprises Minister for Spo~ Recreation and Racing ...
    [Show full text]
  • Councillor Handbook
    Councillor Handbook Councillor Handbook Table of Contents I. COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL ........................................................................... 3 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3 What is the Council? .......................................................................................................... 3 What Does the Council Do? ............................................................................................... 3 II. COUNCILLOR PREPARATION .................................................................................. 3 How Does a Councillor Prepare for the Annual Meeting? ................................................. 3 How Does the Council Conduct its Business? ................................................................... 4 What is a Resolution? ......................................................................................................... 4 Amendments to Resolutions .................................................................................. 5 Emergency Resolutions ......................................................................................... 5 Late Resolutions .................................................................................................... 5 What if I Have Questions About the Council? ................................................................... 5 What is the Steering Committee? ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
    Third Session - Thirty-Fifth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba STANDING COMMITTEE on LAW AMENDMENTS 39-40 Elizabeth II Chairperson Mr. Jack Penner Constituencyof Emerson VOL. XLI No.6· 2:30p.m., MONDAY, JUNE 22,1992 ISSN 0713-9586 Printed by theOffice of the a- Printer, Provinceof Manitoba MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thi rty-Fifth Legislature Members, Constituencies and Political Affiliation NAME CONSTITUENCY PARTY. ALCOCK, Reg Osborne Liberal ASHTON, Steve Thompson NDP BARREn, Becky Wellington NDP CARSTAIRS, Sharon River Heights Liberal CERILLI, Marianne Radisson NDP CHEEMA, Guizar The Maples Liberal CHOMIAK, Dave Kildonan NDP CONNERY, Edward PortageIa Prairie PC CUMMINGS, Glen, Hon. Ste. Rose PC DACQUAY, Louise Seine River PC DERKACH, Leonard, Hon. Roblin-Russell PC DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk NDP DOER, Gary Concordia NDP DOWNEY, James, Hon. Arthur-Virden PC DRIEDGER, Albert, Hon. Steinbach PC DUCHARME, Gerry, Hon. Riel PC EDWARDS, Paul St. James Liberal ENNS, Harry, Hon. Lakeside PC ERNST, Jim, Hon. Charleswood PC EVANS, Ciif Interlake NDP EVANS, LeonardS. Brandon East NDP FILMON, Gary, Hon. Tuxedo PC FINDLAY, Glen, Hon. Springfield PC FRIESEN, Jean Wolseley NDP GAUDRY, Neil St. Boniface Liberal GILLESHAMMER, Harold, Hon. Minnedosa PC HARPER, Elijah Rupertsland NDP HELWER, Edward R. Gimli PC HICKES, George Point Douglas NDP LAMOUREUX, Kevin Inkster Liberal LATHLIN, Oscar The Pas NDP LAURENDEAU, Marcel St. Norbert PC MALOWAY,Jim Elmwood NDP MANNESS, Clayton, Hon. Morris PC MARTINDALE, Doug Burrows NDP McALPINE, Gerry Sturgeon Creek PC McCRAE, James, Hon. Brandon West PC MciNTOSH, Linda, Hon. Assinlboia PC MITCHELSON, Bonnie, Hon. River East PC NEUFELD, Harold Rossmere PC ORCHARD, Donald, Hon. Pembina PC PENNER, Jack Emerson PC PLOHMAN, John Dauphin NDP PRAZNIK, Darren, Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • City Councillor Joseph A. Delgrosso City Council Chamber Calendar – Sine Die December 14, 2015
    City Councillor Joseph A. DelGrosso City Council Chamber Calendar – Sine Die December 14, 2015 5:30 P.M. Zoning Sub-Committee Meeting 6:00 P.M. Salute to the Flag Roll Call of Members Approval of the Journals of the meetings of November 30, 2015 and December 7, 2015. 15-268 A Certificate of Commendation will be awarded to Saber Abougalala of the Good Diner for his generous donation of Thanksgiving dinners to the First Congregational Church. Committee Reports Report of the Zoning Sub-Committee Pursuant to Rule 23 of the City Council Rules of Order, the following Council Orders are being reported out of committee with the recommendation to be placed on file. 14-068 Human Resources Department. 14-068A Human Resources Department. 14-145 Request to purchase a certain parcel of land on Undine Ave. 14-251 Request to purchase a certain parcel of land on Howard St. 15-024 Ordinance relative to clearance around fire hydrants. 15-094 Ordinance relative to financial impact statements. 15-162 Capital improvement plan. 15-209 Snow removal and parking plan. 15-233 Proposed apartment moratorium. 15-238 Remove parking meters at 94 Broadway. Motions 15-276 Motion presented by Councillor Powers: That the Mayor request the DPW to install signage indicating tractor trailers are restricted from entering onto Rice Avenue. Signage should be located at the intersection of the Lynnway and Rice Avenue. 15-277 Motion presented by Councillor Zambuto: That the Mayor request the City Solicitor to draft a lease agreement between the City of Revere and the property owners of 120 Savage Street and 130 Savage Street for the use of a 40 foot “paper” extension of Moretti Street which is located between said properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Handbook for Municipal Councillors
    Councillor Induction Programme Handbook for Municipal Councillors SALGA and GTZ South Africa, March 2006 Acknowledgements This Handbook for Municipal Councillors is part of SALGA’s larger Skills Development and Capacity Building Initiative. The authors acknowledge the valuable feedback and comments provided by SALGA’s national and provincial offices, Department of Provincial and Local Government, the Presidency, National Treasury, Department of Housing, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, the Good Governance Learning Network (GGLN), GTZ, CSIR, University of Pretoria and a number of service providers. Special appreciation is expressed to EISA and Planact for the preparation of the Handbook. Both organisations have provided invaluable knowledge and expertise in the field of local governance and municipal development. We also thank GTZ’s Strengthening Local Governance Programme for making this project possible. The material has been compiled by EISA and Planact Design & layout by ITL Communication & Design Printed by Global Print Councillor Induction Programme Handbook for Municipal Councillors Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo Chairperson of SALGA Foreword The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is indeed proud to produce this edition of the Councillor Handbook with the support of the Department of Provincial and Local Government, Masibambane and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). Many municipalities across the country will witness the ushering in of a new cadre of councillors whose main responsibility will be to play a crucial role in accelerating service delivery to their respective communities. Moreover, councillors will be increasingly called upon to lend positive impetus to the process of public participation in the affairs of their municipalities, be the political custodians of good governance and accountability, and to vigorously advocate for the needs of their constituents – hence the publication of this Handbook to aid you with the challenging tasks that await you.
    [Show full text]
  • Congress of New Caledonia
    INTRODUCTION The Congress of New Caledonia is the country’s deliberative assembly (OA section 62), and its role and powers are defined by Part III, Chapter I of Organic Act No 99-209 of 19 March 1999 to establish the institutions of New Caledonia, which translates the prescriptions of the Noumea Accord into legal terms. a) Congress – New Caledonia’s leading institution Congress is New Caledonia’s foremost institution as listed in the Organic Act. The remaining institutions are the: - government of New Caledonia - provinces - customary senate - traditional councils and - economic, social and environmental council. Congress is primarily an assembly of elected representatives from various political parties, some of whom can form political groups (section 79 of the OA and 11 of the SO) within Congress. Congress has 54 members who bear the title of “Councillors of New Caledonia”. It is made up of part of the members of each provincial assembly, ie: 7 members from the Loyalty Island Province Assembly, out the 14 that make up the provincial assembly; 15 of the 22 members of the Northern Province Assembly; and 32 of the 40 representatives elected to the Southern Province Assembly. A single election determines the membership of both the provincial assemblies and Congress. Members of Congress are elected for 5 years. The 54 members of Congress are elected every 5 years in five-yearly provincial elections (OA section 62). Every year, Congress elects an executive committee from among its members, made up of the Speaker of Congress, Deputy Speakers, Secretaries and Quaestors. (OA section 63) Congress of New Caledonia 54 members 15 members 32 members 7 members Northern Province Assembly Southern Province Assembly Loyalty Islands Assembly 22 members 40 members 14 members New Caledonian electorate (special electorate) b) Electorate Members of Congress and the provincial assemblies are elected by a special or “restricted” electorate meeting the requirements of Organic Act no 99-209 of 19 March 1999 as amended (OA section 188).
    [Show full text]
  • The Voice of the Councillor 2017
    Local Governance Research Unit The Municipal Journal The Voice of the Councillor Final report of the De Montfort University and Municipal Journal Councillor Commission July 2017 Local Governance Research Unit De Montfort University Leicester The Voice of the Councillor: Final Report 2 The Voice of the Councillor: The Final Report of the De Montfort University and Municipal Journal Councillor Commission (by) Professor Colin Copus and Ms. Rachel Wall, De Montfort University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The Voice of the Councillor: Final Report 3 The De Montfort University and Municipal Journal Councillor Commission Foreword from Clive Betts MP Councillors are vital to the democratic health of their local communities and to the country as a whole and they underpin our democratic system. Councillors oversee multi-million pound budgets and direct the development and delivery of the public services provided by complex organisations. The decisions they make and the policies they formulate and agree have a long-term and profound effect on the quality of life of individuals and of communities and councillors help to shape the long-term future of those communities. At the same time councillors will be active within their communities, working alongside them to solve local problems and provide help and support to local people. People expect a great deal from their councillors, and rightly so. The public want their councillors to ensure good public services and provide a decent area to live in; they want councillors to build strong and cohesive communities; the public want their councillors to operate to high standards of behaviour and to be accessible, visible, responsible and responsive to public demands.
    [Show full text]
  • Indicator Project South Africa
    VOLUME FIVE NUMBER FOUR SPRING 1988 sou ELECTION PROJECTIONS Support your lo dqI sher ff MUNICIPAL POLLS Voting trends ir 1970s aid 1980s BLA> )s, LACs, MANCOMs, R Leading authorities on local au horities SANCTIONS REVISITE;i D Dellums and th 3 econcmic doldrums BOP 'TIL YOU DROP Mange pe in Mima bat ho ten years on LABOUR'S LAMENT A post- 1 THE BAROMETER OF SOCIAL TRENDS Abbot Laboratories • AECI Ltd • Africa Inst of SA • African Cables • African Oxygen Ltd • Allied Technologies Ltd • Andrew Levy & Assocs (Pty) Ltd • Anglo American & De Beers Chairman's Fund Education Trust • Anglovaal Ltd • Anikem (Pty) Ltd • Anna Starcke Assocs • Bankorp Ltd • Barlow Rand Ltd • Beacon Sweets & Chocolates • BP Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd • Carlton Paper of SA (Pty) Ltd • Chamber of Mines of SA • Checkers SA Ltd • Crown Cork SA (Pty) Ltd • Consolidated Textiles Ltd • Consumer Behaviour (Pty) Ltd • Control Data Corp • Delta Motor Corp • Development Bank of Southern Africa • Dow Chemical USA • Durban Chamber of Commerce • Durban City Council • Durban City Council - Personnel Services • Edward L Bateman Ltd • ESCOM • Everite Ltd • Federated Life Assurance Co • First National Bank of Southern Africa Ltd • Ford Foundation • General Mining Corp Ltd • German Embassy • Gilbeys Distillers & Vintners (Pty) Ltd • Gillette SA Ltd • PG Glass Holdings (Pty) Ltd • Gold Fields Foundation • Grinaker Holdings Ltd • Henred-Fruehauf Trailers (Pty) Ltd • Hewlett Packard SA (Pty) Ltd • ISM SA (Pty) Ltd • Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co Ltd • Johnson & Johnson • Kangra
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Ireland: Local Government and Politics
    6.6 Northern Ireland: local government and politics Local authorities play key roles in the devolved government of Northern Ireland, as expressions of communities that were in the past highly polarised on religious and political lines. They are also the only other source of elected legitimacy to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive (which have not been functioning for over a year and a half at the time of writing). Local councils can act as checks and balances on the domestic concentration of power. James Pow explores how democratically local councils have operated in difficult conditions. What does democracy require of Northern Ireland’s local governments? ✦ Local governments should engage the wide participation of local citizens in their governance via voting in regular elections, and an open interest group and local consultation process. ✦ Local voting systems should accurately convert parties’ vote shares into seats on councils, and should be open to new parties entering into competition. ✦ As far as possible, consistent with the need for efficient scales of operation, local government areas and institutions should provide an effective expression of local and community identities that are important in civil society (and not just in administrative terms). ✦ Local governments should be genuinely independent centres of decision-making, with their own sufficient financial revenues and policy autonomy to be able to make meaningful choices on behalf of their citizens. ✦ Given the special history of Northern Ireland, deliberative policy-making has a particularly key role in building local political harmony and understanding of multiple viewpoints and interests. ✦ Local governments are typically subject to some supervision on key aspects of their conduct and policies by a higher tier of government.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Canadian Bicameralism: Past, Present and Future
    1 Understanding Canadian Bicameralism: Past, Present and Future Presented at the 2018 Annual Conference of the Canadian Political Science Association Gary William O’Brien, Ph.D. June, 2018 Not be cited until a final version is uploaded 2 Studies of the Senate of Canada’s institutional design as well as the proposals for its reform have often focused on the method of selection, distribution of seats and powers.1 Another methodology is the use of classification models of bicameral second chambers which also explore power and representation dimensions but in a broader constitutional and political context. Although such models have been employed to study Canada’s upper house in a comparative way,2 they have not been used extensively to understand the origins of the Senate’s underlying structure or to analyze reform proposals for their impact on its present multi-purposed roles. This paper proposes to give a brief description of the models which characterize pre- and post-Confederation second chambers. Given that many of the legal and procedural provisions concerning Canada’s current upper house can be traced back to the Constitutional Act, 1791 and the Act of Union, 1840, it will place Canadian bicameralism within its historical context. The Senate’s “architecture”, “essential characteristics” and “fundamental nature”, terms used in the 1980 and 2014 Supreme Court opinions but with no link to pre- Confederation antecedents, cannot be understood without references to Canadian parliamentary history. Finally, it will provide some observations on the nature of Canadian bicameralism and will conceptualize various reform proposals in terms of classification models.
    [Show full text]