To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 23859/17-22, for her assessment of the transfer of Portstewart Town Hall back to private responsibility; and to outline any concerns raised with her on this decision.

A number of individuals and associations have raised issues around the transfer of Portstewart Town Hall and its loss to the community. In particular, concerns have been raised with my Department around legal ownership of the building, and whether section 96(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 which governs the disposal of land at less than its market value, applies. Given my role in approving transfers in which Section 96(5) applies, my Department has engaged with the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on this matter, who have indicated that this legislation does not apply to the Hall.

The Council is a statutory authority and as such is responsible for making decisions about the provision of its services and the legal liabilities which arise in connection with its assets.