Belfast Councillors have criticised the new role of Belfast 'Night Czar' as a “business lobbyist” and have denounced a lack of involvement for community groups and trade unions in the city.
The new £12,500 per year part-time role is funded by the business improvement districts, Linen Quarter BID and Belfast One, and Destination Cathedral Quarter business bodies. It is supported by the Purple Flag steering group, which includes Belfast Chamber, Hospitality Ulster, Belfast City Council, PSNI and Translink.
And last month the Stormont Department for Infrastructure said there would be no new extra funding for the provision of a public transport night time service in the city after a request from the council. Sinn Féin Councillor Áine McCabe said there was “a gap” between the role of the Night Czar already created and communities. She said: “Women’s groups aren’t part of this. That needs to be looked at.”