Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Review of Public Administration?The Review of Public Administration (RPA) was launched by the Northern Ireland Executive in June 2002 with the remit of reviewing the arrangements for the accountability, development, administration and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. Following the restoration of a devolved administration, the Executive reviewed the proposals and the outcome was announced, on 31st March 2008, by the Minister of the Environment. Back to top
How will DSD services change?/ Which services will move to councils?The main RPA issues specifically affecting DSD are:
- the transfer to local Councils of urban regeneration operational delivery functions and the delivery of support for the voluntary and community sector at local level; and
- the transfer also of some housing functions, namely those in respect of houses in multiple occupation, housing unfitness, including repair and demolition notices, Living over the Shop initiative, and local energy conservation.
What is the link between Neighbourhood Renewal and Community Planning?The overall aim of community planning is to secure effective joint working between local government, central government departments, agencies and other public sector bodies in promoting the well being of communities and to secure greater engagement from communities in the planning and delivery of services. There are clear linkages between Neighbourhood Renewal and Community Planning. The last number of years has seen the setting up of 36 Neighbourhood Partnerships across Northern Ireland and the development of Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans for those areas. Community Plans will need to take account of other lower level plans and strategies for the new council area. Back to top
How will Development Offices change?The work of development offices will be transferred to councils. Back to top
Will there still be links between central government and the Voluntary and Community sector?Responsibility for delivering local community support will be transferred to the new local councils in May 2011. This includes the Community Support Programme and the Community Investment Fund.The Department will continue its main role to provide the lead within government for the development of policy for support of the voluntary and community sector and will continue to have strong links with the voluntary and community sector. Back to top
What will be the new role of central government?The functions to be transferred from this Department and from the Housing Executive to the new local government structures in 2011 involve the operational delivery of urban regeneration (including Neighbourhood Renewal), the delivery of support for the voluntary and community sector at local level and housing functions relating to houses in multiple occupation, housing unfitness (including repair and demolition notices), and local energy conservation. The Department will continue to have responsibility for the development of policy as well as the new role of managing relationships with the new council structure. Back to top
How do local politicians fit into the picture?From May 2011 local elected representatives will be responsible for the discharge of all function under local control, including community planning. Elected representatives bring knowledge of the local area that is of significant importance to the development of services which are responsive to the needs of local people. Developing a strong, dynamic local government creating communities that are vibrant, healthy, prosperous, safe, sustainable and have the needs of all citizens at their core is the vision for the current reorganisation of local government. Back to top
Where can I get more information?
If you have any questions regarding the implementation of the Review of Public Administration in the Department for Social Development you can contact the DSD RPA Project Office. Back to top |
