Councils - summary of changes

Map (left) showing the proposed new council boundaries

The Secretary of State's announcement

Junior Ministers - press releases can be found at the end this page.

Summary of changes

The Review of Public Administration has decided on seven councils for Northern Ireland. Belfast will be the only existing council to remain in its current form. The map indicates the other new council districts (boundaries still to be clarified.)

Local government

1. A Boundary Commissioner will be appointed to examine these boundaries, for example the natural boundaries of Belfast.
2. Maximum of 50 councillors per council, and councillors cannot be Assembly Members or vice versa. Pay and conditions to be examined.
3. Will have responsibility for planning, local roads, conservation of natural and built heritage, local economic development, community planning, regeneration, local tourism, arts and culture, community development and community relations.
4. Sustainable development to be 'at the heart of local government'.
5. Idea of civic councils to be discussed further.
6. 'The voluntary and community sectors must consider how best to capture their collective voice and bring a powerful influence to bear in the community planning process.'

Health

1. One overarching Health and Social Services Authority to replace the existing Boards.
2. Five new Health and Social Services Trusts to replace the current 18, and in addition the existing Ambulance Service remains unchanged.
3. Seven local Commissioning Groups to aid decision making.
4. A new Patient and Client Council to replace the four H&SS Councils.

Education

1. One single authority instead of five Education and Library Boards.
2. Neither libraries nor youth services moving to local government.

A further announcement on the future of quangos outside Health and Education will take place before the end of March.

Press releases from junior ministers - 22 November 2005

Rooker heralds return to strong local government (126Kb)

Smith welcomes modernisation of education administration (102Kb)

Woodward reforms health service structure to put patients first (132Kb)