NILGA SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION THROUGH TWO HIGH-IMPACT WORKSHOPS
Ulster University, Belfast | 11–12 September 2025
The UK Association for Public Administration (UKAPA) hosted its 2025 Annual Conference at Ulster University in Belfast on 11–12 September. The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) contributed to the event through two engaging and timely roundtable workshop sessions focused on local government reorganisation in Northern Ireland, now a decade on.
These workshops, delivered in collaboration with our partner LGA’s and elected member cohort, examined the long-term impacts of the 2015 restructuring. This reduced the number of councils from 26 to 11, lowered the number of elected representatives from 582 to 462, and transferred new responsibilities such as planning, community planning, and economic development initiatives, among others.
The sessions provided a valuable platform for councillors, council officers, practitioners, policymakers, and academics to reflect on the changes, share experiences, and help shape future policy direction for local government.
After the sessions, NILGA President, Cllr Billy Webb remarked: “Local government reorganisation, whatever the region, is never just about changing boundaries, it’s fundamentally about people, communities, public trust, and how we deliver better and more tailored services in the future. Our roundtable discussions aimed to bring together practical experience with expert input and analysis.”
Discussions centred on key issues such as local identity, public trust in local institutions, and inclusive civic engagement. Delegates also considered the often-overlooked perspectives of elected members tasked with implementing change, as well as the cultural integration needed when merging councils, highlighting the importance of aligning organisational values alongside operational systems.
Participants also examined which structural, leadership, and support mechanisms are essential for achieving genuine, sustainable transformation across all council areas.
Speaking at the event, COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, stated: “It was great to meet with our partner organisations across the UK and share experiences of shifting structures and accountabilities in local government and other public services. COSLA will continue to champion localism and local democracy in Scotland on behalf of its members, and we must ensure any changes are delivered in a way that puts communities first.”
At the conference, Cllr Adam Paynter, LGA Independent Group’s National Lead Peer, said: “It was good to explore with fellow panel members the crucial role of elected members in leading these changes and ensuring that the voices of local people are heard as plans for local government reorganisation (LGR) are developed and implemented.”
“We aimed to create a space for honest, cross-sector dialogue,” added Cllr Webb, “so that practical insights and innovative policy ideas can emerge to shape the next decade of local governance and delivery.”
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