The Department of Infrastructure has opened a consultation for local authorities to have their say on new clauses in the Local Government Amendment Bill. 

It follows widespread criticism about the potential impact one of the new clauses could have - including mandating new functions without providing extra money and introducing 'standards' for work carried out. 

The bill was first introduced in 2021, and was brought back to parliament again in 2023, to 'strengthen' and 'update' current duties like byelaw processes and members expenses. 

DoI Minister Michelle Haywood says there's been no consultation up to this point because the bill's amendments were introduced by a backbench MHK.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her: