Newtownabbey Borough Council

Good afternoon Julie

The Council wishes to make the following comments in response to OFMDFM’s consultation on the Public Authorities Reform Order 2007.

The Council is totally against the abolishment of the Northern Ireland Housing Council, which it believes has carried out a very worthwhile function in ensuring public and democratic accountability of the Housing Executive’s functions and housing policies and those of the government.

The Council wrote to the Secretary of State last year requesting the postponement of any decision and asking for it to be reviewed.

The Council is also aware that the retention of this democratically elected cross party Council has been supported formally by 19 Councils.

The Council believes that the RPA proposals do, in effect, give the Housing Council a greater reason to exist as the new Councils with their greater powers will have less time to devote to housing matters.

Should you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me

Regards

Alan