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18/09/2014
Alliance Councillor Criticises Castlereagh Expenses
Alliance Councillor Michael Long has criticised Castlereagh Council for what he has called "its on-going reluctance to be open and transparent, despite being in its final year of existence".
Mr Long made the comments following the revelation that his party's councillors had filed the least in the latest round of expenses.
Figures show Alliance Councillors claim on average £10,136.85, with the UUP's average set at £11,796.68, the SDLP's at £11,621.72 and DUP Councillors registering £12,471.80.
Councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance believes it is important that we provide value for money for ratepayers and these figures show that the average Alliance Councillor cost more than £2,000 less than their DUP counterparts and well over £1,000 less than the SDLP and UUP.
"Several years ago I faced considerable opposition in my fight to ensure that these figures were released and published on the Council's website, clearly demonstrating how public money is spent. While I welcomed this important step taken by Castlereagh Council I am extremely disappointed that this information is very difficult to locate on the Council's website - an issue I will be raising at the next available opportunity.
"Castlereagh Council seems determined that its lasting legacy in local government will be one of politics behind closed doors. This is not something Alliance has been part of and with the new Super Councils providing opportunities for openness in politics, we as a party will continue to ensure total transparency in all Council decisions."
(IT/CD)
Mr Long made the comments following the revelation that his party's councillors had filed the least in the latest round of expenses.
Figures show Alliance Councillors claim on average £10,136.85, with the UUP's average set at £11,796.68, the SDLP's at £11,621.72 and DUP Councillors registering £12,471.80.
Councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance believes it is important that we provide value for money for ratepayers and these figures show that the average Alliance Councillor cost more than £2,000 less than their DUP counterparts and well over £1,000 less than the SDLP and UUP.
"Several years ago I faced considerable opposition in my fight to ensure that these figures were released and published on the Council's website, clearly demonstrating how public money is spent. While I welcomed this important step taken by Castlereagh Council I am extremely disappointed that this information is very difficult to locate on the Council's website - an issue I will be raising at the next available opportunity.
"Castlereagh Council seems determined that its lasting legacy in local government will be one of politics behind closed doors. This is not something Alliance has been part of and with the new Super Councils providing opportunities for openness in politics, we as a party will continue to ensure total transparency in all Council decisions."
(IT/CD)
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