The Local Government (Remote Meetings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024, which presents Council groups the opportunity to provide more flexible working conditions to councillors, was approved in the Assembly earlier today.

Speaking in the Assembly Ms Mulholland said: “I am relieved to finally see these regulations approved by the Assembly today. The concept of remote working was introduced as a way to keep people safe during the Covid pandemic but has now opened up the possibilities of more accessible working conditions.

“The option of flexible working conditions for councillors enables those with disabilities or illnesses, those with responsibilities outside of work such as caring responsibilities, and those living in rural communities to be involved in political life.

“The previous decision by the Department for Communities to pull remote working regulations for Council meetings stood as a complete barrier to these individuals. My party previously lost a very capable Councillor, who was a father to two very young children, due to the lack of flexibility for hybrid working at Council, and I am sure there are many more councillors in the same situation.

“Whilst I welcome the bringing forward of this legislation, I am also concerned that each council area will have the opportunity to decide its own process and eligibility of hybrid working. I don’t want there to be a situation where different councillors are being treated unequally compared to others depending on their council group.

“We should be encouraging more people from disenfranchised communities to engage in politics rather than creating barriers for them, and I hope this legislation will help those who most need representation in government, by enabling them to easily engage in official meetings.”