6.Two consultation papers issued on the subject of ‘Proposals for a New Formula for Distribution of the Resources Element of General Grant’. The first paper outlined a suggested new methodology for distribution of the grant. Following this exercise, many of the comments put forward, which were mainly from district councils, were taken on board and adjustments were made to preliminary proposals. On completion of an Equality Impact Assessment, a second consultation paper was circulated widely, to fulfil the Department’s statutory requirements under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
7.Amendment of economic development powers of district councils were contained in a Proposal for a Draft Order in Council – The Regeneration and Development (Northern Ireland) Order, which was prepared during 1997/1998. District councils were aware of the proposed amendments and were consulted at that time. There was overwhelming support for the proposed extension of economic development powers.
8.Extensive consultation was undertaken by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on community safety in the context of the Criminal Justice Review. All district councils and other interests, such as the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, (SOLACE) were offered the opportunity to comment. A number of councils responded positively to the NIO proposals and SOLACE, on behalf of all councils, sought statutory powers to engage in community safety activity. No council raised any objections to the NIO proposals. The detailed community safety strategy, devised by the NIO, is also undergoing an extensive consultation process.