Menu
28/05/2010
Council Merger Deadline Is 'Missed'
The Northern Ireland Executive last night failed to kick-off a long-anticipated major overhaul of local government.
While NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots (pictured here) didn't actually shelve a plan to cut the number of local authorities from 26 to 11 in time for elections to be held next May - he did agree to a further two week delay in the necessary decision-making process to get it moving forward.
That's in spite of the NI Minister of State Hugo Swire insisting that a decision by the end of this month was required, so as to allow sufficient time for the local government elections next May.
Now, the DUP Minister is to revise his plans and ask the councils themselves to help fund the reform.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday morning, Mr Poots said: "I have been tasked to go to local government and identify if they are prepared to pay the £118m that it will cost for the reorganisation, given that the Executive faces around £1bn in cuts in the next five years."
He will then report to fellow ministers at their next round-table meeting at Stormont in two weeks' time.
The money would only be borrowed from the UK Treasury on condition that local authorities repay the cash when they begin to enjoy the savings he insists will flow from the downsizing of the councils.
It is understood the executive may plan to cover the £20 million rates convergence cost, but local authorities would be expected to carry the £118 million cost.
The Review of Public Administration has been promising historic reform of the health and education sectors, aimed to save the executive more than £400m over 25 years by cutting bureaucracy.
However, it was claimed yesterday that the postponement of the local government reform would have a serious effect on the morale of local government staff.
Also, the BBC has reported that the Northern Ireland Local Government Association boss, John Matthews, said it was going to be "very difficult" to facilitate elections to 11 authorities next year.
The association's President explained: "There has to be legislation go through - it is going to be very difficult and the indecision that there has been has led us into a more difficult decision.
"It is an enormously good opportunity missed."
(BMcC)
While NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots (pictured here) didn't actually shelve a plan to cut the number of local authorities from 26 to 11 in time for elections to be held next May - he did agree to a further two week delay in the necessary decision-making process to get it moving forward.
That's in spite of the NI Minister of State Hugo Swire insisting that a decision by the end of this month was required, so as to allow sufficient time for the local government elections next May.
Now, the DUP Minister is to revise his plans and ask the councils themselves to help fund the reform.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday morning, Mr Poots said: "I have been tasked to go to local government and identify if they are prepared to pay the £118m that it will cost for the reorganisation, given that the Executive faces around £1bn in cuts in the next five years."
He will then report to fellow ministers at their next round-table meeting at Stormont in two weeks' time.
The money would only be borrowed from the UK Treasury on condition that local authorities repay the cash when they begin to enjoy the savings he insists will flow from the downsizing of the councils.
It is understood the executive may plan to cover the £20 million rates convergence cost, but local authorities would be expected to carry the £118 million cost.
The Review of Public Administration has been promising historic reform of the health and education sectors, aimed to save the executive more than £400m over 25 years by cutting bureaucracy.
However, it was claimed yesterday that the postponement of the local government reform would have a serious effect on the morale of local government staff.
Also, the BBC has reported that the Northern Ireland Local Government Association boss, John Matthews, said it was going to be "very difficult" to facilitate elections to 11 authorities next year.
The association's President explained: "There has to be legislation go through - it is going to be very difficult and the indecision that there has been has led us into a more difficult decision.
"It is an enormously good opportunity missed."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2022
Causeway Council Urged To Act On Audit Report
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council must act to accept and implement all the recommendations from the Local Government Auditor, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said.
Causeway Council Urged To Act On Audit Report
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council must act to accept and implement all the recommendations from the Local Government Auditor, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said.
03 December 2010
Christmas Card Scenes As Snow Blankets NI
Picturesque winter scenes across NI are today being further enhanced by fresh falls of snow blowing in from an Atlantic weather system. However, it is adding to the continuing Siberian freeze that has seen much of the British Isles grinding to a halt, with disruption in NI expected to continue into the weekend at least.
Christmas Card Scenes As Snow Blankets NI
Picturesque winter scenes across NI are today being further enhanced by fresh falls of snow blowing in from an Atlantic weather system. However, it is adding to the continuing Siberian freeze that has seen much of the British Isles grinding to a halt, with disruption in NI expected to continue into the weekend at least.
05 November 2004
DoE ace cool award for recycling effort in NI
The Department of Environment (DoE) has won a prestigious National Award for recycling waste fridges and freezers in the province.
DoE ace cool award for recycling effort in NI
The Department of Environment (DoE) has won a prestigious National Award for recycling waste fridges and freezers in the province.
17 June 2004
Councillor calls for analysis of public sector sick absence
A Belfast councillor has called for the Local Government Auditor to ask the Northern Ireland Audit Office to analyse sickness trends across Northern Ireland's public service.
Councillor calls for analysis of public sector sick absence
A Belfast councillor has called for the Local Government Auditor to ask the Northern Ireland Audit Office to analyse sickness trends across Northern Ireland's public service.
09 August 2001
Government officers sample US civic management style
Local government administrators across the island of Ireland this week are learning about a revolutionary management tool being adopted by their counterparts in the United States.
Government officers sample US civic management style
Local government administrators across the island of Ireland this week are learning about a revolutionary management tool being adopted by their counterparts in the United States.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
