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18/03/2014
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
Ms Lo has also said she will propose amendments to increase openness and transparency for the new Councils, including the audio recording of full Council meetings and placing Council papers and minutes online.
The announcement comes as MLAs debate the new Local Government Bill today, which will outline the powers of 11 new local councils.
Anna Lo said: "The flying of the Union Flag on designated days is the compromise agreement that recognises Northern Ireland's position within the UK, while acknowledging that we live in a shared society.
"It allows for the Union Flag to be flown with dignity and respect, and is in line with British tradition as stated by the College of Arms. Designated days is the recommendation of equality guidance and is the policy at Stormont and Councils such as Lisburn. It is the only policy that will help deliver a shared future.
"It is important that these new Councils are able to concentrate on delivering better public services, rather than spending their first meetings debating how often the Union Flag is flown. We must agree to a common policy of designated days in this legislation rather than leave it up to individual Councils."
"I will also be proposing amendments to increase the openness and transparency of the new Councils. I think it is important for ratepayers to be able to access information about what Councillors are deciding. Councillors should not be making decisions behind closed doors and away from the scrutiny of the people who elected them."
(IT/MH)
Ms Lo has also said she will propose amendments to increase openness and transparency for the new Councils, including the audio recording of full Council meetings and placing Council papers and minutes online.
The announcement comes as MLAs debate the new Local Government Bill today, which will outline the powers of 11 new local councils.
Anna Lo said: "The flying of the Union Flag on designated days is the compromise agreement that recognises Northern Ireland's position within the UK, while acknowledging that we live in a shared society.
"It allows for the Union Flag to be flown with dignity and respect, and is in line with British tradition as stated by the College of Arms. Designated days is the recommendation of equality guidance and is the policy at Stormont and Councils such as Lisburn. It is the only policy that will help deliver a shared future.
"It is important that these new Councils are able to concentrate on delivering better public services, rather than spending their first meetings debating how often the Union Flag is flown. We must agree to a common policy of designated days in this legislation rather than leave it up to individual Councils."
"I will also be proposing amendments to increase the openness and transparency of the new Councils. I think it is important for ratepayers to be able to access information about what Councillors are deciding. Councillors should not be making decisions behind closed doors and away from the scrutiny of the people who elected them."
(IT/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
