When Northern Ireland was created as a separate political entity, its system of local government was the one that had been established by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The system was not changed until the 1970's, following the recommendations of the Macrory Report of June 1970. The Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 and the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 created the current pattern of local government in Northern Ireland, with 26 councils, that was established in 1973.
On 22 November 2005 Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, announced proposals to reduce the number of councils to seven[1].
The new authorities were to have a number of new powers in such areas as planning, local roads functions, regeneration, and fostering community relations, which were to be transferred from the existing joint boards and other bodies, that are much closer in size to the proposed local authorities. However, on 13 March 2008, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed on proposals brought forward by Environment Minister Arlene Foster to create 11 new councils instead of the original 7.[2]
References
- ^ Major reform of local government, BBC News
- ^ Foster announces the future shape of local government NI Executive, 13 March 2008
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