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Department of the Environment (DOE)

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

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Local Government

Local Government Policy Division supports councils in delivering strong and effective local government. This means that we lay the foundations for a system of local government which meets the needs of ratepayers and users of district council services and facilities.

The Division is also responsible for local government reform, giving effect to the Executive’s decision following the Review of Public Administration, to reduce the number of councils in Northern Ireland from 26 to 11.

Functions of Local Government Policy Division

  • Develop policy and legislation to facilitate the transition from 26 to 11 councils;
  • Provide a legislative and policy framework to allow councils to guide local public services (including issuing Local Government Circulars);
  • Consult on new local government policy and legislation;
  • Pay the General Grant to councils;
  • Develop methods to improve the administration, finance and audit of local government;
  • Oversee and liaison with, councils;
  • Oversee the Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC) and the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) and
  • Liaise with the Chief Local Government Auditor.

The reform of local government

Read more about the local government reform programme and the latest information on the local government boundaries legislation.

Current Public Appointments

Councillors’ Remuneration Panel

The Department of the Environment are planning to appoint a Chairperson and four members to the Councillors’ Remuneration Panel with effect from 1st May 2013. Application packs are available to download now and the closing date for applications is 12noon, Friday 8th February.



Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee

The Department of the Environment are planning to appoint one member, who will be an independent representative, to the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee with effect from 1st May 2013. Application packs are available to download now and the closing date for applications is 12noon, Friday 8th February.

Further details on these appointments can be found here
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