Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972

[F1Procedure for Commissioner appointed under section 50(1)(a)N.I.

6N.I.–

(1)This paragraph applies where a Commissioner is appointed under section 50(1)(a).

(2)As soon as practicable after his appointment, the Commissioner shall make a public announcement to the effect—

(a)that he has commenced his task; and

[F2(b)that he will in due course publish provisional recommendations and cause a public hearing to be held in each of the 11 districts mentioned in section 1 of the Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.]

(3)Where the Commissioner has provisionally determined to make recommendations with respect to a district and the wards within a district, he shall publish in at least two newspapers circulating in that district a notice-

(a)setting out the provisional recommendations or specifying places and times at which copies of the provisional recommendations may be inspected;

(b)stating that representations in writing with respect to the provisional recommendations may be made to the Commissioner in such manner and before such date as may be specified in the notice; and

(c)stating that the public hearing required to be held by sub-paragraph (4) is to be held —

(i)at such place in the district; and

(ii)beginning at such date and time;

as may be so specified.

(4)Where a Commissioner has published notice under sub-paragraph (3) in respect of a district, he shall, in accordance with the terms of that notice, cause a public hearing to be held in respect of—

(a)the boundary and name of the district; and

(b)the number, boundaries and names of the wards within that district.

(5)The Commissioner may cause additional public hearings to be held in such manner as he may direct.

(6)The Commissioner—

(a)shall take into consideration the representations, if any, made in accordance with a notice published under sub-paragraph (3) or at a hearing under sub-paragraph (4) or (5); and

(b)may revise any provisional recommendations.

(7)Where the Commissioner revises any provisional recommendations with respect to a district or the wards within a district, he may if he thinks fit publish in at least two newspapers circulating in that district a notice-

(a)setting out the revised recommendations or specifying places and times at which copies of the revised recommendations may be inspected; and

(b)stating that representations in writing with respect to the revised recommendations may, within the relevant period, be made to the Commissioner in the manner specified in the notice;

and, if the Commissioner does so, he shall take into consideration any representations made in accordance with the notice.]