Review of Public Administration Implementation
LATEST NEWS:
The Review of Public Administration (RPA) was the first major examination in over thirty years of how public services in Northern Ireland are organised and delivered. Formally launched in June 2002, the Executive decided to review Northern Ireland’s system of public administration with a view to putting in place modern, accountable and effective arrangements for public service delivery.
Direct rule Ministers announced decisions on the RPA in November 2005 (Health, Education and Local Government) and March 2006 (remaining public bodies). However, with the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, departmental reviews on the RPA have been completed and further decisions agreed. A summary of those decisions is as follows:
Local Government
- The number of councils will reduce from 26 to 11 by May 2011
- Community planning will be at the heart of local government
- A range of functions will transfer to local government including: aspects of planning, rural development, the public realm aspects of local roads functions, urban regeneration and community development, a range of housing related functions, local economic development and tourism
Contact: Ian Maye 028 9054 0844
Health
- The 18 Health trusts were reduced to 5 in April 2007
- Four new organisations were established in April 2009:
- A single Health and Social Care Board replaced the existing four Health and Social Services Boards
- A Public Health Agency incorporating and building on the work of the Health Promotion Agency
- A Business Services Organisation providing a range of support functions for the whole of health and social care system. The Central Services Agency was dissolved and the majority of its services will be undertaken by the new organisation;
- A single Patient and Client Council replaced the Health and Social Services Councils
Contact: David Reilly - 028 9052 3187
Education
- An Education and Skills Authority will replace the current 5 Education and Library Boards by January 2010
- A new Statutory Advisory Forum will be established as a major sorce of advice to the Department of Education
Contact: Mary Cromey 028 9127 9456
Libraries
- A Library Authority was established in April 2009 assuming the relevant responsibilities from the Education and Library Boards.
Contact: Libraries NI Headquarters 028 9260 6750
