Local Government Reform - Linking Community Planning to Sport and Leisure Nichola Creagh Local Government Policy Division

2 2 Executive’s Vision for Local Government “… a strong, dynamic local government creating communities that are vibrant, healthy, prosperous, safe, sustainable and have the needs of all citizens at their core.” Central to this vision is the provision of high quality, efficient services that respond to the needs of people and continuously improve over time.

3 Reform Update – 1 April councils became 11 new councils with enhanced powers including planning, local economic development, off street parking, local tourism, community planning. Next year, responsibility for urban regeneration and community development and for the management of Laganside should, subject to the successful passage of the Regeneration Bill, be transferred to local government. Strengthens role of councils – local decision-making closer to those that will be impacted.

4 Partnership Panel The aim of the Partnership Panel is to promote joint working and co-operation between Executive Ministers and local government representatives. The Panel also aims to create a strategic forum to develop joined up solutions, capitalise on joint opportunities and ultimately improve the delivery of local services. Community planning powers are regarded as important tools to facilitating the process.

Community Planning Partnership in Action 5 Community Planning will bring together all the key organisations in an area – statutory, voluntary, community and business. It provides a unique opportunity to make better use of assets for economic cultural and leisure purposes.

6  Legislation to establish statutory partners (Community Planning Partners Order NI 2015 should be in place by September.  Guidance on Community Planning should be issued by July.  Community planning partnerships can use this legislative framework to promote recreational, social, physical and cultural activities that are important to local people. C Community Planning Partnership in Action

Sports & Leisure Considerations Reshape existing District Council responsibility for sports development and provision of leisure facilities and activities at the local community level Closer collaboration between Sport Northern Ireland and the 11 new Councils. Contribution to community plan –  provision of local sports and leisure facilities  sports development programmes. 7

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