Supercouncils Proposal Sunk

It will be at least five more years before the formation of the North's 11 so-called 'super councils'.

NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots is expected to announce to the NI Executive that the local government elections planned for next year will be to the existing 26 councils, and not to the new 11 bodies as originally envisaged. This would maintain the status quo until at least 2015.

The planned postponement came to light this week when Craigavon Borough Council held a special meeting to discuss staffing issues, but it was postponed until Monday night, pending the anticipated Poots announcement.

Craigavon is due to join with neighbouring Armagh and Banbridge councils, and is currently employing a temporary chief executive and director of leisure services in anticipation of the change-over, but may now have to make permanent appointments.

A council source said: "It was stated at the meeting that the creating of the 11 councils, under the Review of Public Administration (RPA), was being delayed by certain councils disputing the boundaries and it would be better to hold fire until after the Minister's announcement."

Millions of pounds have already been spent in preparation for the new set-up, which was mooted at least five years ago, with plans for seven new councils. The number increased to 11 in 2009, but still the controversy rages.

(BMcC)