Ulster Unionists have described a decision by the Minister for Communities not to devolve urban regeneration and community development powers to Councils as a power grab.

Andy Allen MLA, Ulster Unionist spokesperson on Communities, said:

“Urban regeneration powers such as town centre regeneration and support for local voluntary and community groups are issues which should be the responsibility of local councils.  They were to be devolved when the new 11 Councils were set up last year.  After being delayed repeatedly by previous Ministers, now at least a decision has been taken- albeit the wrong decision. 

“Retaining urban regeneration and community development powers within the Department for Communities smacks of control freakery and is a case of the DUP/Sinn Fein coalition holding on to power for powers sake.”

Cllr Trevor Wilson, Chair of the Ulster Unionist Councillors’ Association, said:

“The decision not to transfer these powers will cause bitter resentment across local government.  We were expecting regeneration and community development to be devolved when the new Councils went live in April last year.  We have had delay upon delay, and now a decision has been taken to renege upon what was meant to be a central tenet of local government reform.  It is democratically accountable local Councils who are best placed to deliver on the ground, not Stormont Departments.

“It seems clear to me that the DUP/Sinn Fein coalition at Stormont have a ‘what we have we hold’ attitude and cannot abide giving up power.  Where does this leave the whole process of community planning which was meant to be the flagship policy of local government? Two and a half years of community planning work has been undertaken by the new Councils, expectations have been raised and now this. Has the Minister no trust in local government’s ability to deliver regeneration and community development?”