12 November 2004
LOCAL IDENTITY TO BE EXPLORED FURTHER IN THE REVIEW OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Following last month’s meetings with the political parties on the Review of Public Administration (RPA), Ian Pearson MP, the Minister responsible for the review, has commissioned further work on local identity.
At the meetings, a proposal from the RPA team and independent experts based on seven councils working within boundaries common to new health bodies and other service providers was discussed. While it was accepted that such a model would have considerable advantage in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, there were concerns as to whether such a model could adequately reflect local identity.
The Minister said:
"Everyone wants their Council to deliver high quality, value for money services but we all recognise that Councils also have a role in providing civic leadership."
Having considered the views expressed by the parties, Ian Pearson has asked the Review Team to do further work on local identity. He said: "This work should be completed in time to allow publication of a consultation document early in the New Year."
He added: "We expect the changes flowing from the Review of Public Administration to last for a generation and it is important that we take time to get them right and that we take on board the wide range of views which have been expressed to us."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Review of Public Administration was formally established by the Northern Ireland Executive in June 2002.
- Its terms of reference are:
"In line with the political agreement of 18 December 1998, which sets out policy responsibilities, and reflecting the Executive’s vision as described in the Programme for Government, to review the existing arrangements for the accountability, development, administration and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland, and to bring forward options for reform which are consistent with the arrangements and principles of the Belfast Agreement, within an appropriate framework of political and financial accountability."
- Information about the Review can be found online at www.rpani.gov.uk
- Media enquiries should be directed to Aine Gaughran, Tel: 028 9027 7606.
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