NILGA President 2026/27 on the year ahead: 11 councils, one voice

With councils facing growing pressures, rising expectations and an increasingly complex policy landscape, newly appointed NILGA President Alderman Hazel Legge reflects on the opportunities and challenges facing local government in Northern Ireland and sets out her priorities for the year ahead, in her own words. Central to her vision is the belief that Northern Ireland’s 11 councils are strongest when they speak with one collective voice. 

From strengthening partnership working and supporting resilient communities to advancing inclusive digital innovation and keeping councillor safety firmly on the agenda, Alderman Legge outlines her priorities for the year ahead.

A background rooted in local government

I have served on Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council since 2014, representing Castlereagh East, and have twice served as Deputy Mayor. That experience has given me a strong understanding of the vital role councils play in supporting communities, shaping places and delivering local services.

Through NILGA, where I have served as an Office Bearer since 2023, I have seen the importance of a collective voice for all 11 councils. I view the Presidency as an opportunity to champion local government at a pivotal time and to ensure councils are recognised as essential partners in delivering for communities.

What are your priorities for the year ahead?

I see the role of NILGA President as helping councils speak clearly and confidently on the issues that matter most to communities. Northern Ireland’s councils operate within one of the most centralised local government systems in the UK, with a more limited range of functions than their counterparts elsewhere. At the same time, councils are facing increasing rate-setting pressures and planning within a public finance environment that lacks the certainty of multi-year budgets. Over the next 12 months, I want to build on the work of outgoing President Cllr Billy Webb by strengthening NILGA’s relationships with Ministers, Departments, the Assembly and key partners.

My focus will be on sustainable communities, effective public services, councillor safety, digital innovation and ensuring councils are treated as delivery partners, not an afterthought.

Supporting councillor safety

Councillor safety is a serious issue for local democracy. Abuse, intimidation and threats affect elected representatives, their families and public life more widely. We must continue to promote civility in public life and foster a culture where elected representatives can engage confidently with communities, challenge one another respectfully and participate in robust democratic debate without fear of abuse or harassment. NILGA is proud to support the UK-wide Joint Statement on Civility in Local Government, which calls on everyone involved in local democracy to help create a culture of respect, inclusion and constructive political engagement. I believe its principles should underpin how we engage with one another across local government and public life.

With local government elections due in May 2027, NILGA must continue to support councillor safety, resilience and wellbeing, while promoting a clear message: robust political debate is central to democracy, but it must never become abuse or intimidation. As President, my priority will be to ensure NILGA continues to champion councils as confident, capable and essential partners in delivering for people and places across Northern Ireland. 

Responding to growing pressures

A key challenge is that councils are being asked to do more with less amid growing financial and service pressures. Financial sustainability remains a major issue, alongside pressures in regeneration, planning, infrastructure, rural need, climate, community safety, digital inclusion and workforce resilience.

These challenges are interconnected and require a stronger partnership between central and local government, with councils involved from the outset in shaping decisions.

Putting councils at the heart of decision-making

Councils must be a co-design partner in government – they must be engaged with early and meaningfully, not brought in only at the end of the policy making process as a consultee. As the tier of government closest to people and places, councils bring democratic legitimacy, local insight and practical delivery experience.

NILGA will continue to make the case that local government is not just another stakeholder, but a core delivery partner for Northern Ireland.

Building resilient communities

Resilience means communities feeling supported, connected and able to shape the places where they live. Councils are well placed to support this because they are rooted in place and can bring together residents, voluntary organisations, businesses, statutory partners and elected representatives.

By listening, encouraging participation and focusing on practical outcomes, councils can help build stronger, more confident and more sustainable communities.

Making digital innovation inclusive

Digital innovation provides an opportunity to improve access to services, make better use of data, support efficiency and strengthen engagement with residents. However, transformation must be inclusive.

Digital change should improve services without replacing human contact. It must go hand in hand with accessibility, digital inclusion and community-based support.