Unfair distribution of political offices: Ballymena Borough Council referred to Equality Commission and Local Government Auditor

SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan has referred the unfair distribution of political offices in Ballymena Borough Council to the Equality Commission and to the Local Government Auditor.

Councillor O’Loan said, “The DUP in Ballymena keep the posts of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chairs of virtually all committees to themselves. I have referred the matter to these two bodies and asked them if they can give advice and instruction to the Council.

I have referred the matter to the Equality Commission as the Council has a legal duty to operate under various pieces of equality legislation, including Section 75(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Council also has a Good Relations duty under Section 75(2). In the particular context of Ballymena which has serious community relations problems, the conduct of the Council gives a very poor example from the highest level of civic leadership in the area.

I have referred the matter to the Local Government Auditor because substantial sums of public money are paid to the holders of these offices in Responsibility Allowances. The vision of the Audit Office includes the “best use of public money”, and its set of core values includes “equality”. Government has a commitment to a “Shared Future” and clearly the allocation of resources plays an important role in delivering that objective. I hope that the Auditor will be prepared to say that the conduct of Ballymena Borough Council is in breach of these values and objectives.”