Questions raised over Armed Forces Day cost

SINN Féin councillor has raised questions over initial estimates for the cost of hosting Armed Forces Day next year.

In June 2026 the borough will host the Province’s main event marking the UK-wide celebration

Formerly known as Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day was established as an annual celebration of the contributions of the men and women both past and present of the British Armed Forces.

Backed by the Ministry of Defence, it’s billed as an opportunity for members of the public to show support for serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.

Last month members of the council’s Commemorations and Celebrations subcommittee heard the event was expected to cost ratepayers around £100,000.

While councillors have already agreed to allocate £40k from this year’s budget, its anticipated the majority of the spend will be incurred in the 2026/27 financial year.

Questions over the estimate arose when the subcommittee’s minutes were presented to its parent committee – Corporate Policy and Resources on Tuesday evening.

Sinn Fein group leader Leanne Peacock said she was “confused” by a report that didn’t include any kind of detailed cost breakdown.

Were members being asked to make a decision on a £100,000 spend, she asked. “There is no detail on what that is for,” she added.

“It’s asking us basically to ratify a blank cheque. There’s no opportunity for elected members to scrutinise or ensure value for money.”

In response, to Cllr Peacock’s remarks, Corporate Policy Director Moira Quinn assured her a detailed cost breakdown would be delivered to elected members.

But, she said, since the Armed Forces Day event took place the 2026/27 financial year, the bulk of the sum would be “factored in” when rates for that financial year were set.

“That process has still to take place and it’s a decision has not yet been made,” she said.