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Dr. Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive

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1 Dr. Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive
The Challenge of Community Planning in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Dr. Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive

2 Some challenges for Community Planning
What Directorate should take lead responsibility? How do we ensure appropriate stakeholder engagement ? Do we plan in geographical areas (such as District Electoral Areas) or themes( such as Health, Education, the Economy)? How do we deliver something meaningful when there has been no resource provided for this additional responsibility? DARD Definition of Rural – 4500 inhabitants DSD – Local Councils will have autonomy to use DSD funds to settlements under 4500 post April 2016 Volatile Agricultural Market – Despite growth in agricultural sector – 50% decline in farm incomes in 2012 due to high feed/fuel costs/bad weather (DARD, 2014) Education & Skills Gap – 62% of working farm owners and 40% of farm employees do not hold any formal qualifications (LANTRA, 2010) Earnings - £523 per week compared to £504 per week in accessible rural areas and £452 in less accessible rural areas (NISRA) Employment fall out from construction sector in particular 3G broadband coverage from all 3G operators is 93% in urban areas compared to 13% in rural areas (OFCOM, 2012)

3 Responsibility

4 Stakeholder Engagement
General Power of Competence – Provides Council with the ability to act in its own interest and to develop innovative approaches to addressing issues in its area Unlike UK – Many statutory functions still sit outside local government – greater challenge to secure commitment to Community Plan Central government guidance particularly from DoE needs to be more comprehensive to allow Councils progress to meeting April 2016 deadline for completion of Community Plan Executive agreed that the championing of rural issues is the responsibility of organisations at all levels inside and outside of government Should rural Councils act as a champion for rural business? – Improving skills base, entrance to key markets, signposting match funding opportunities (liaison with financiers, loan companies, banks etc.) – or will this contradict Section 75 legislation – Would Councils be accused of preferencing rural over urban? – Creation of a rural/urban split?

5 Geography or Themes Elected members face the proposition of being key decision makers abiding by rules and regulations of planning law – Need to manage conflict of interest in representing constituent’s interests and making decisions that may not always please the electorate Council must prepare a statement of community involvement which will contain the strategy for how and when the community (including rural community) are to be involved in the local development plan process

6 Resources Skills gaps – Creating stronger links with employers and further & higher education colleges Co ordination of funding streams – Rural Councils considering the development of European Units to research and deliver untapped European funding opportunities – Interreg, Horizon 2020, Eurasmus, Life +

7 Conclusion

8 Co ordinated approach – DoE informed that Rural Development was a transferring function but DARD state it is a responsibility given to Councils (diluted) - Blurred lines in the role that DARD/Invest NI play in supporting rural SMEs


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