Arlene Foster said: “I support my colleague’s proposals, which are part of a wider strategy to strengthen local government, and are consistent with what I am trying to achieve in the review of RPA local government decisions. I believe that local, rather than central, government is best placed to manage the festivals which play an important role in promoting social cohesion at community level”.
The Minister explained that the proposals were consistent with the recommendation in the Emerging Findings paper on the Review of Local Government Aspects of RPA, that the Communities Festivals Fund should transfer to local government. The Executive is not due to consider the final recommendations on the overall review until late January 2008. However, the Minister stressed the need for the early announcement of this particular decision. This is because the Fund is a two year programme embracing the 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008 period.
The Minister added: “In view of the lead in time involved in organisation of community festivals, there is a need to provide clarity for all concerned on the arrangements which are to be put in place for the oversight, management and administration of the funds from 1 April 2008.”
Notes to Editors:
- The review of local government aspects of the Review of Public Administration is considering what local government is expected to deliver in the context of a fully functioning Executive and Assembly. It is focussing on three interlinked strands – developing a vision for local government, reviewing the number of councils and reviewing the functions to transfer to local government.
- The review is being led by an Executive Sub Committee chaired by Minister Foster and comprising the Ministers with responsibility for Regional Development (Conor Murphy), Social Development (Margaret Ritchie), Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Michael McGimpsey) and Finance and Personnel (Peter Robinson).
- The Emerging Findings paper on the Review was published on 19th October 2007. The responses from stakeholders on the emerging findings are being considered by the Sub Committee and it is proposed to present final recommendations to the Executive at the end of January 2008.
- Media queries to DoE Press Office on 90540014. Out-of-hours call EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
