The future shape of local government

Following a review of the local government aspects of the Review of Public Administration (RPA), a process begun in July 2007, the Minister made her announcement after an Executive meeting.

"Our vision for local government is of a strong, dynamic local government creating communities that are vibrant, healthy, prosperous, safe and sustainable and have the needs of all citizens at their core. Critical to the delivery of services that are linked with local peoples’ needs and ambitions will be the introduction of a statute-based council-led community planning process."

Eleven new local government districts

The Minister continued: “The current 26 local government districts will be rationalised to create 11 new local government districts, using the model referred to as 11 b, which was canvassed in the March 2005 RPA consultation document (pdf). This number will allow new council areas to deliver important services to communities in an efficient and effective manner.

“In order for local government to fulfil its role as leader and shaper of communities, a range of functions will be transferred to the new local councils. These include aspects of planning, as well as rural development, the public realm aspects of local roads functions, urban regeneration and community development, a range of housing related functions, and local economic development and tourism.

“More detail on the range of functions that will transfer will be set out in a statement that I will make to the Assembly on its return after Easter.

“The decisions we agreed at the Executive meeting this afternoon represent a firm foundation for the development of stronger local government that will deliver a broader range of services for all our citizens.”

Additional information

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