Chairman of The Ulster Unionist Councillors Association, Cllr David Taylor, said: “The Ulster Unionist Party makes clear that it does not support any suggestion of strike action or work to rule following the Ministerial Review of the Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors in Northern Ireland. Such action would not serve the interests of local government or the communities we represent.

“Our priority as a Party is to ensure that constituents and local ratepayers receive effective representation. We remain focused on delivery and the efficient running of councils, and we believe strike action would only distract from those responsibilities.

“The Ulster Unionist Party does not believe industrial action is the way to address any issues arising from the Ministerial Review. Such a step would instead create further problems for local government.

“As this local government mandate continues, our commitment remains to provide representation and service for those who elected us. Any action that takes councillors away from that duty stands in clear contrast to that commitment.”