Major Study Compares Northern Ireland And Scotland Public Sectors

4 January 2005
MAJOR STUDY COMPARES NORTHERN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND PUBLIC SECTORS
There are significant differences in the size, structure and responsibilities of public sector organisations in Northern Ireland and Scotland, according to a research report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
The research, the first of its kind to be carried out in Northern Ireland, highlights the key differences between the jurisdictions in terms of staffing, funding, political structures and accountability arrangements.
Among the main findings of the research were:

The public sector accounts for 32% of all jobs in Northern Ireland and approximately 22% of all jobs in Scotland.

AAA number of powers have been devolved to Northern Ireland, which have not been devolved in Scotland, notably the Civil Service, Social Security administration and driver and vehicle operations. At the same time, policing and justice is devolved in Scotland and is a reserved matter in Northern Ireland.

Scotland has a greater ability than Northern Ireland to tap into services that are provided on a GB wide basis.

Local councils in Northern Ireland employ just fewer than 10,000 staff and had a budget in 2002/03 of Ł338 million (3.4% of public expenditure). In comparison, local government in Scotland employs around 300,000 staff and a budget of Ł8.5 billion (36.6% of public expenditure). Nearly two-thirds of public sector staff are employed in local government in Scotland compared with seven per cent in Northern Ireland.

Compared to local government in Scotland, local government in Northern Ireland has relatively few service provision responsibilities, whereas local councils in Scotland are responsible for principal functions such as education, housing and social services.

Community planning provides local government in Scotland with the power to coordinate service delivery for their areas.

There are 119 public bodies in Northern Ireland compared with 107 in Scotland. Public bodies in this context includes Executive, Advisory and Tribunal Non-Departmental Public Bodies, Public Corporations and other bodies.

The research report is published on the Review of Public Administration website www.rpani.gov.uk
Additional copies of the report can be obtained by contacting Tony O’Brien on 028 9027 7603 or email tony.o’brien@rpani.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Review of Public Administration commissioned Deloitte Touche to carry out the research in support of the RPA.

For media enquiries contact Aine Gaughran on 028 9027 7606/ 07717732079

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