Council boycotts flags and emblems bill consultation
Ards and North Down Council has refused to reply to the flags and emblems bill consultation, with the DUP leading a unionist block vote to ignore the Stormont proposals.
Despite council officers preparing a seven-page consultation response, a DUP proposal to not send a corporate response was passed.
The bill, introduced by Alliance Party MLA Paula Bradshaw, would give the Stormont Department for Infrastructure new legal powers and a duty to take down unwanted flags and other symbols displayed on public street furniture such as lampposts. The consultation runs until September 16.
The proposed council response stated: “The council supports the overall objective of the Display of Flags and Emblems Bill, particularly its focus on reducing intimidation and promoting inclusive shared spaces.
"However, the council highlights a number of key issues requiring further scrutiny, namely, clarity of definitions and decision-making criteria, detailed and practical guidance through the proposed Code of Practice (as well as) safeguards around the notification portal.
“(Other issues requiring scrutiny are) the proportional and community-based enforcement arrangements, clear protocols involving the PSNI, a consideration of resource implications, and the assurance of an appropriate balance between cultural expression, human rights, equality duties and public confidence in the legislation.”
Deputy Mayor DUP councillor James Cochrane proposed no response from the council during the Active and Healthy Communities Committee meeting. He said individual parties could submit responses.
He said: “Quite simply I don’t believe it has anything to do with Ards and North Down Borough Council. The bill does not give the council a new role in removing flags or regulating emblems, it proposes new powers for the Department for Infrastructure, with the PSNI involved where appropriate.”
He added: “I don’t think that producing corporate responses to every contentious piece of legislation is a sensible use of time.
“There is an issue here, and that is the level of gaslighting from the Alliance Party in the Assembly on this issue, who are suggesting without this legislation there is somehow no way of dealing with harmful or problematic flags. That is simply not true.
“DfI already has powers around this, in relation to unauthorised attachments to its infrastructure. When there are issues regarding criminality, intimidation, public disorder, or criminal damage associated with a proscribed organisation, there are already existing powers for which the PSNI can use.” He asked: “Who is going to fund this?”
Alliance councillor Victoria Moore said: “Residents are very concerned about the proliferation of flags, the territorial marking and the impact it can have on how our communities feel.”
On a show of hands at the committee, nine supported the DUP proposal, and six were against, and the DUP proposal was passed. The decision will go to the full council meeting later this month for ratification, where it is expected to pass.