Back to NI Public Representatives>>
LOCAL COUNCILS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
There are currently 26 local councils in Northern Ireland with 582 councillors, funded through rates on domestic and commercial premises plus a grant from central government (Department of the Environment) and leisure centre income. Local Councils in Northern Ireland currently have very limited powers when compared to their counterparts in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The current councils are due to be replaced by seven new 'super-councils' which will have an enlarged and enhanced range of functions, including a new role in leading Community Planning. On 7 November 2006, the local government boundaries commissioner Dick Mackenzie unveiled the new districts: Belfast, North East, Inner East, East, South, North West and West.
The new councils will mean a reduction in the number of locally elected councillors from 582 to 420. MLAs elected to Stormont, should it be operational, will not be allowed to sit on local councils. The major parties, with the exception of Sinn Féin, are opposed to the plans and hope to veto the seven council model when the Assembly is restored.
Key Figures in Local Government 2007
|
