Local Government Reform Programme

Local Government Changes
There are big changes planned for local government. In 2008 the Executive agreed - as part of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) - to reduce the number of councils from 26 to 11.

This change involves more than a reduction in the number of councils. There will also be a transfer of certain functions from central to local government. This means that there will be bigger councils with more power to make decisions on local services.

What this Means for the Public
You will get the same services that you always had, but delivered in a more efficient, effective and suitable way.

The extra roles that local councils will take include:

• planning
• public realm function of local roads
• regeneration
• emergency planning
• community planning

This new council structure will help create:

“… a strong, dynamic local government creating communities that are vibrant, healthy, prosperous, safe, sustainable and have the needs of all citizens at their core…”
Arlene Foster, former Environment Minister, 31.03.08.

• Former Minister's Statement and Assembly Debate 31.03.08 (PDF, 84 KB)

Further Information

• How the Reform Programme Will be Delivered
• The New Council Structure
• Emerging Findings Paper