Arlene Foster announces Review of Local Government

Environment Minister Arlene Foster has begun a review of the future shape of local government here.

The Minister said: “I am committed to working in partnership with a range of stakeholders to win consensus on the future shape of local government in Northern Ireland. I am determined that there will be significant engagement throughout the review so that we can deliver the change which will achieve the strong, effective and efficient local government that we all want.

“I have written today, in agreement with the Executive Committee, to all the Members of the Assembly, the Environment Committee and a range of key stakeholders, setting out the Terms of Reference of the review.”

Arlene Foster said that in taking the review forward, consideration will be given to what local government is expected to deliver in the context of a fully-functioning devolved Assembly and Executive, and, in the context of the strategic direction of the RPA, to consider the number of councils and functions that would be required.

The Minister explained that the review will have three strands: “The first strand will focus on developing our shared vision for local government. The second will focus on the numbers of councils and the third will concentrate on the functions to transfer to local government. The review will consider the decisions of the previous administration to develop a council-led community planning process and the complementary power of well-being.

“I will lead the review on behalf of the Executive Committee, with oversight by an Executive sub-committee made up of a number of my Ministerial colleagues. We intend to complete by this autumn with a view to the Executive announcing its decisions to the Assembly and the public in December 2007.

“I encourage everyone to engage in the review. Today is the first stage of a process which is designed to establish consensus on the future shape of local government. These proposals will impact on councils, elected representatives, major public sector providers and the voluntary and community sectors, as well as the general public. I hope that as many people and organisations as possible will take the opportunity to engage in the review and participate in the intensive stakeholder engagement planned for this autumn.”

Notes to Editors:

1. View the Terms of Reference for the review
2. The review is to be overseen by an Executive sub-committee chaired by the Environment Minister Arlene Foster and will report to the Executive Committee. The review sub-committee will include Ministers of Regional Development, Social Development, Finance & Personnel and Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
3. Views or comments on any of the review’s three strands can be submitted by hard copy to the Local Government Reform Division, Clarence Court, Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB or by electronic mail to lgrd@doe.gov.uk
4. For media enquiries contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003.
5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officers via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.