Summary of RPA Emerging Findings and Stakeholder Consultations

On 19 October Environment Minister Arlene Foster released the emerging findings of the review on the future shape of local government. The document outlines the variance from original RPA proposals. A number of stakeholder events have also been organised by PWC as part of the review of RPA.

Summary of Emerging Findings

It has been proposed that the development plan functions originally to be transferred to local government should remain within the remit of the Department of the Environment. Deferment of a decision on the future of the Local Staff Commission has also been suggested. All other proposed transfers to local councils from the DOE remain on the agenda.

It was recommended that the full transfer of responsibility for the maintenance and development of local roads and associated traffic management should remain with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development due to high initial and year-on-year costs. Another variance from the original RPA proposals is the removal of plans to transfer the Fire and Rescue Service to local government as a shared operational service.

Proposals to transfer the housing-related functions proposed under the RPA may also remain with the Department for Social Development. However the transfer of Urban Regeneration and Community Development delivery functions have been agreed in principle. However Neighbourhood Renewal is an additional function that may be proposed for transfer to local councils.

Stakeholder events

The purpose of these events is to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss in detail at local level the emerging findings from the Review. Representatives from the DOE Local Government Reform Division and from the other relevant central government Departments will also be participating.

The proposed dates and venues are as follows:

Sandwiches and light refreshments will be available before or after each event as indicated.

All elected members and local representatives of other stakeholder organisations are encouraged to attend one of these events at the location most convenient to them to offer comment on these important proposals.

What happens next

Following this process of focused engagement, the comments, views and opinions of stakeholders on the emerging findings will be reflected back to Ministers to inform the Review process as it moves towards final decisions.

If you have any queries or need any further information, please contact Gillian Maher on 028 90 245454 or at gillian.maher@uk.pwc.com.