What Happened at the December Council Operations Committee Meeting?
If you’ve ever wondered what your council actually discusses behind closed doors and how it affects day-to-day life in the Borough, the December Operations Committee meeting was a busy one.
Held on 1 December 2025 at Antrim Civic Centre, councillors debated everything from leisure centre prices and waste collection changes to grant funding for local sports clubs, eco-schools, and even roundabout sponsorships.
Here are the key takeaways locals will want to know 👇
💷 Leisure & Parks: Price Changes Coming in 2026/27
Councillors approved a 3.5% inflationary increase across parks, leisure, and bereavement services for the 2026/27 financial year.
Two changes stood out:
£10 spa “bolt-on” at Antrim Forum
The spa is now officially classed as a premium service. The extra charge is intended to manage high demand and improve the experience for users.Priority booking for local sports clubs
Clubs based within the Borough will get first refusal on council-owned sports facilities — a move designed to keep facilities benefiting local communities first.
👉 What this means for residents:
Expect slightly higher prices, but better access for local clubs and less overcrowding in premium facilities.
🏠 HMOs: Tough Scrutiny but Licences Granted
Two House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence applications dominated the confidential part of the meeting.
In both cases:
Councillors debated whether the applicants were “fit and proper persons”
Allegations included poor landlord practices and misleading tenant statements
Motions to refuse were defeated
Outcome:
Both licences were granted for 12 months only, with strict conditions:
A competent property manager must be appointed
Each case will be reviewed after 12 months
👉 Why this matters:
Councillors signalled a tougher stance on landlord standards while stopping short of outright refusal.
♻️ Waste Collection: Changes Still Settling In
Councillors received updates on the harmonisation of waste collection services across the Borough.
Key points:
New bins and boxes have now been fully rolled out
Staffing shortages caused recent collection delays
Online tools like the Bin Checker and Chat Bot are now live
New caddy liner deliveries have been delayed until April 2026
Due to ongoing concerns, the waste harmonisation issue will now be debated further at Full Council, partly in confidence.
👉 What residents should know:
If collections have felt patchy recently, councillors are aware, and the issue isn’t being ignored.
🌱 Eco-Schools Programme Gets Continued Funding
Good news for local schools:
Council approved £11,400 to continue supporting the Eco-Schools Programme for 2026/27.
Why it matters:
74 schools in the Borough are involved
54% now hold Green Flag status (above the NI average)
Funding supports a dedicated field officer and environmental education
👉 Value for money:
At around 54p per pupil, councillors agreed the programme delivers strong environmental benefits.
🏅 Grants for Local Sports, Athletes & Events
The third round of the Leisure Grant Aid Programme was approved, distributing £21,270 to local clubs, athletes, coaches, and events.
So far this year:
£157,407 has been approved
£12,593 remains for a final funding call (open until 31 December 2025)
👉 If you’re involved in sport locally:
There’s still time to apply for remaining funds.
🌼 Britain in Bloom: Three Local Areas Go National
In a rare achievement, three areas Ballynure, Randalstown, and Antrim were approved to represent the Borough in the 2026 Britain in Bloom UK Finals.
This follows major success at the Ulster level and reflects strong community involvement and environmental work.
👉 A big win for local pride and volunteer groups.
🚗 Roundabout Sponsorship: Prices to Increase
Council approved a new pricing structure for roundabout sponsorships, based on traffic levels.
Sponsorship income could increase by £18,000
Prices will now be more consistent and transparent
Some high-traffic roundabouts will see significant price rises
👉 Why it matters:
This helps generate additional income without increasing rates but may impact small businesses currently sponsoring sites.
👵 Positive Ageing Month: Strong Community Response
October’s Positive Ageing Month events were a success:
469 residents attended “Tea & Treats” events
96% said social connection was the biggest benefit
Total cost: just £701.50
Councillors praised the programme’s impact on reducing loneliness among older residents.
⚽ Other Notable Decisions
Approval granted for entertainment events at First Antrim Presbyterian Church
A Newtownabbey food business approved as a licensed cold store
Council officers to explore options for the Bawnmore MUGA pitch
Congratulations recorded for St Ergnat’s Moneyglass Senior Ladies GAA on reaching the All-Ireland Final 🎉
Source: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council