Local councils make decisions that affect everyday life, from planning applications and waste collection to community funding and economic growth.
But many of these decisions aren’t made at full council meetings. Instead, much of the detailed work happens through council committees.
So what are the main Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council committees, what do they do, and why they matter.
We help local residents better understand how decisions are made using highlights from committee meetings written in plain english.
What Is a Council Committee?
A council committee is a smaller group of councillors appointed to focus on a specific area of responsibility.
Committees allow councillors to examine issues in more detail, apply specialist knowledge, and make recommendations or decisions within agreed powers.
Each committee has terms of reference that outline what it can and cannot do, and meetings are generally open to the public, with agendas and minutes published online.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the council is well-governed and financially sound.
Its main purpose is to provide independent oversight of:
Risk management arrangements
Internal and external audit processes
Financial controls and governance frameworks
The committee reviews reports that help identify potential risks to the council and ensures that appropriate controls are in place to manage them.
While it does not set policy, it provides assurance that the council is operating transparently and responsibly.
Why it matters:
This committee helps protect public money and ensures that decisions are made within strong governance arrangements.
Recent Meeting Highlights
December 2025
Community Development Committee
The Community Development Committee focuses on initiatives that support people, places, and communities across the borough.
Its work typically includes:
Community planning and local partnership working
Arts, culture, heritage, and events
Tourism development and promotion
Good relations and inclusion initiatives
Community facilities and engagement programmes
This committee often deals with projects that enhance quality of life, strengthen community cohesion, and promote local identity.
Why it matters:
It ensures that communities are supported, connected, and included in the borough’s development.
Recent Meeting Highlights
December 2025
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee is responsible for driving economic growth and prosperity within Antrim & Newtownabbey.
Key areas of focus include:
Business support and investment promotion
Regeneration and place-based economic initiatives
Job creation and skills development
Promoting the borough as a place to invest, work, and visit
This committee works closely with regional partners, businesses, and investors to support sustainable economic growth.
Why it matters:
A strong local economy supports jobs, services, and long-term prosperity for residents.
Recent Meeting Highlights
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee oversees many of the council services that residents interact with on a daily basis.
Its responsibilities typically cover:
Waste collection and recycling services
Environmental health and public protection
Parks, leisure centres, and open spaces
Council buildings, fleet, and estate management
Bereavement services and sustainability initiatives
This committee focuses on service delivery, efficiency, and ensuring services meet community needs.
Why it matters:
It directly affects how clean, safe, and well-maintained the borough is.
Recent Meeting Highlights
December 2025
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee is responsible for determining planning applications and overseeing planning policy decisions within the council’s remit.
Its work includes:
Deciding on planning applications
Applying local and regional planning policies
Considering enforcement matters
Balancing development needs with environmental and community considerations
Decisions are made in line with planning law and policy, rather than political preference.
Why it matters:
This committee shapes how towns, villages, and neighbourhoods develop now and in the future.
Recent Meeting Highlights
December 2025
Policy and Governance Committee
The Policy and Governance Committee focuses on the internal management and strategic direction of the council.
Areas under its remit include:
Corporate governance and policy development
Financial planning and budget oversight
Human resources and organisational development
ICT, digital transformation, and information governance
Equality, diversity, and member services
This committee helps ensure the council operates effectively and consistently across all departments.
Why it matters:
Strong governance and policy frameworks support better decision-making across the entire council.
Recent Meeting Highlights
December 2025
How the Committees Work Together
Each committee focuses on a specific area, but they are interconnected.
Recommendations from committees may be referred to Full Council for approval, particularly on major policy or financial decisions. They also have their own meetings.
Together, this structure allows for both detailed scrutiny and democratic accountability.
Meeting dates, agendas, reports, and minutes are published on the council’s website, allowing residents to see what is being discussed and decided.
Recent Full Council Monthly Meeting Highlights
How Residents Can Get Involved
Residents can:
Attend committee meetings (in person or online, where available)
Read agendas and reports in advance
Review meeting minutes to understand decisions made
Engage with councillors about issues within specific committee areas
Understanding which committee is responsible for what can make it easier to raise concerns or follow issues that matter to you.
Conclusion
Council committees play a vital role in how Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council operates.
From safeguarding finances and shaping development to supporting communities and delivering essential services, these committees ensure that decisions are informed, transparent, and focused.
By understanding how the committee system works, residents can better engage with local democracy and have a clearer picture of how decisions affecting the borough are made.