You are here
Local Government in NI Local Government Overview
Local Government Overview
In Northern Ireland some functions, which in other parts of the UK would be undertaken by councils, are provided by government departments or agencies. In most cases these bodies engage in consultation. The consultative role covers functions such as planning, roads, water and conservation
Local Councils in Northern Ireland have 3 main functions:
1. Direct service provision:
Each council is responsible for the provision of a range of services within its own area.
2. A representative role:
Councillors are appointed to represent their councils, or elected members in general, on a number of public bodies, such as – Education & Library Boards, Heath & Social Services, Road Safety Committees, etc.
3. A consultative Role:
In Northern Ireland some functions, which in other parts of the UK would be undertaken by councils, are provided by government departments or agencies. In most cases these bodies engage in consultation. The consultative role covers functions such as planning, roads, water and conservation.
Local Government Statistics
Number of Councils 26
Number of Councillors 582
No Eligible Electorate 1,142,433 (2005 Elections)
Total Population 1,702,600 (2004 Estimate)
Head Population per Councillor Approx 3000 citizens
Local Government Spending £364m (04/05) (~ 4.5% of Public sector spending)
Council Are Currently Responsible For:
Refuse Collection and Disposal
Recycling and Waste Management
Civic Amenity Provision
Grounds Maintenance
Street Cleansing
Cemeteries
Public Conveniences
Food Safety
Health & Safety
Environmental Protection
Environmental Improvement
Estates Management Building Design and Maintenance
Building Control-Inspection and Regulation of New Construction
Dog Control
Enforcement Byelaws Litter etc.
Sundry Licensing
Sports and Leisure Services
Forum Leisure Complex
Sports and Recreational Facilities
Parks, Open Spaces, Playgrounds
Community Centres
Arts, Heritage and Cultural Facilities
Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Councils have a role in:
Economic Development
Community Development
Community Safety Sports Development
Summer Schemes
Tourism
Council are Currently Not Responsible For (however may be consulted on):
Education
Personal Social Services
Roads
Public Housing
Fire Service
Police Service
Trading Standards
Drainage Water
Sewerage
Libraries
Planning
Street Lighting
Collection of Rates
Transport
