Explanatory Memorandum

Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005

2005 No. 1968

Consultation

Consultation Paper

9.On 19 October 2004, a Consultation Paper, which included a copy of the draft Order, was circulated to NI district councils, NI departments and other interested parties. The Consultation Paper outlined the proposals for amending local government legislation (see paragraph 4) and requested that comments should be submitted by 10 January 2005. The Department received comments from 33 respondents who generally welcomed the proposals.

10.Subsequently, Articles 8 and 25 of the Order have been amended to provide that, instead of local government bodies paying audit fees to the Department which, in turn, would pay the fees to the Comptroller and Auditor General, they will pay the fees directly to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Department will still be responsible for determining the fees. Also, Article 27 has been amended to take account of Freedom of Information legislation.