Minister outlines proposals for local government reform transition committees

Members of the public were today invited to give their views on local government transition committees which will manage the implementation of council reforms.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson launched proposals to give transition committees, which have already been set up in the 11 new council areas, the powers in statute to ensure the local government reform programme is being implemented in their areas properly.

As he launched an eight week consultation on the proposals, Mr Wilson observed: “The public expect to see modern, efficient services, including those being transferred from central to local government, in place as soon as possible after the reorganisation of local government in 2011.

“In order to ensure the new councils will be in a position to take full executive responsibilities for the delivery of these services from the outset, the transition committees will be responsible for a very significant programme of work.

"The consultation document puts forward proposals on the composition and governance arrangements for these committees, and the powers that should be available to my department to ensure that this is achieved.

“Consultation on the establishment of transition committees with the statutory authority to make the decisions necessary for the transition to the 11 new district councils is a key step in the process for the reorganisation of local government in 2011.

"Local Government plays an important part in the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland and I would encourage people to take part in this consultation.”

The consultation paper sets out the thinking on the composition and governance arrangements for the transition committees and the powers that should be available to the department to ensure the transition to the 11 new district councils is proceeding effectively.

Notes to Editors:

1. Under the review of public administration, the number of district councils in Northern Ireland will be reduced from 26 to 11.
2. Environment Minister Sammy Wilson published a consultation document “Local Government Reform – The Establishment of Transition Committees in Statute” on 6 April 2009. Consultation closes on 31 May 2009.
3. Hard copies and copies of the document in alternative formats can be made available on request from the Local Government Policy Division by telephone 028 9025 6074, by text phone 028 9054 0642, by fax 028 92025 6080 or in writing to Lynn McCracken, Local Government Policy Division, Department of Environment, Goodwood House, 44-58 May Street, Belfast BT1 4NN.
4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.