Local Government Boundaries Commissioner announces that her review of local government boundaries in Northern Ireland is underway

Local Government Boundaries Commissioner Sarah Havlin today confirmed that preparatory stage of her Review of the 11 district Council boundaries and their composite wards is now complete and that she has commenced the statutory review process.

The Commissioner now invites proposals from councils, political parties, associations, organisations and individual members of the public in relation to the boundary and name of the 11 districts: and the number, boundaries and names of the wards within the 11 districts. The Review is facilitated by a tripartite agreement between the Electoral Office NI, Ordnance Survey NI, a division of Land & Property Services in the Department of Finance, and the Commissioner’s office.  By June 2021 the Commissioner plans to publish provisional recommendations and hold a public consultation.

The Commissioner said:

“I am delighted to announce today that I am moving from the preparatory stages to first statutory step of my review of local government boundaries in Northern Ireland.  We are also launching our LGBC website today.  

By June 2021 I plan to publish my provisional recommendations and provide an opportunity for all citizens and interested parties to participate in this important review. 

The prevailing public health advice will of course be a paramount consideration for my team when planning our consultation, but I am hopeful that we will have inclusive and meaningful engagement that will allow everyone who has an interest to have their say”.

Notes to editors

  1. The appointment of the Commissioner, the terms of the Review procedure that applies to the Commissioner’s recommendations are set out in Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Boundaries) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
  1. There is a statutory duty to appoint the Commissioner within 12 years of the last review, which was completed in 2009.
  2. While Department for Communities (DfC) is the sponsor Department for LGBC, the Commissioner and the Review is independent of Government Departments and Ministers.
  3. Media enquiries to LGBC Office on email Info@lgbc-ni.org.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Secretary to the Commissioner on 07971856939.