Members of Northern Ireland's district councils could have their payments and expenses cut, it emerged yesterday, after it was revealed in the High Court that a wide-ranging review is under way.
The disclosure was made during a preliminary hearing of a case brought by the Local Government Auditor against Newry and Mourne Council.
The auditor is challenging councillors' use of mobile phones supplied to them by the council.Councillors can receive calls but not make them.
Barrister Mr Michael Keogh told Mr Justice Higgins that there seemed little point in going ahead with the case in view of the review being carried out by the local government division of the Department of the Environment.
"This dispute is over the lawfulness or otherwise of telephone expenses allowed to councillors," he said. "A completely new package of councillors' expenses is being prepared by the Department of the Environment and the target date for completion of the review is March 2005, which would seem to render the present dispute as entirely academic." Mr Keogh said further delay could be caused if the Department had to seek amending legislation.
Mr Justice Higgins agreed that it was pointless to proceed, and adjourned the hearing until March 3rd, 2005, when an up-to- date report on the situation would be given.
It is understood that the review is concentrating on allowances for councillors, chairmen and vice-chairmen, and benefits provided to councillors.
Newry and Mourne Council has been advised that the Minister and Department have been giving priority to the issues surrounding the personal allowances payable to councillors.
Detailed information has been gathered about the various arrangements operated by individual councils.
When returns have been made by all councils, the data will be analysed. Department officials have set themselves a target of March 31st, 2005, to prepare a paper for the Minister outlining their proposals.