Review of Public Administration

The Secretary of State announced the final outcome of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) in two parts: on 22 November 2005 he announced final decisions on the future of local government, education and health and social service structures; and on 21 March 2006 he announced decisions on the remaining public bodies.  Following the return of devolution, Environment Minister Arlene Foster announced in May 2007 that she was to lead a review of the Local Government aspects of RPA.  The final decisions of the review were announced in March 2008 and can be accessed via the table at the bottom of this page.

How will RPA affect the Planning System?

As part of RPA the bulk of planning functions will no longer rest with the Planning Service. Instead these powers will be devolved to local authorities which, through its elected representatives, will be responsible and accountable for most planning decisions.
The transfer of much of the planning function to new local authorities is not just the redistribution of functions but the creation of a new planning system for Northern Ireland. It will involve new roles, responsibilities and relationships for all those involved in the planning process.

When will these changes take place?

The implementation of all elements of the RPA is taking place progressively over the next few years. Environment Minister Arlene Foster’s announcement in March 2008 indicated that functions would transfer to 11 newly created local government districts by 2011.

How can I find out about the changes?

This section of the website will be updated regularly to communicate progress with the legislative and other steps needed to create the structure, organisation, systems and processes for the new planning system.

Further information on RPA can be obtained from the following websites:

• RPA Website
• Local Government Reform Taskforce Website
• Local Government Boundaries Commissioner for Northern Ireland website

Related news and documents

Document	Date	File Details
Final decisions of the review of the local government aspects of RPA	31/03/08	External Link
Emerging findings of the review of the Local Government aspects of RPA	19/10/07	External Link
Terms of Reference for the review of the Local Government aspects of RPA	06/07/07	10 KB
Report from Transitional Assembly's Sub Committee on RPA and Rural Planning	01/02/07	2,911 KB
Better Government for Northern Ireland: Final Decisions of the Review of Public Administration	21/03/06	499 KB
Secretary of State’s Speech	21/03/06	59 KB
Secretary of State's Announcement	22/11/05	118 KB