Reform of local government in Northern Ireland looks set to begin in earnest, after the restoration of devolved government. Following the historic handover of power to the NI Assembly, attention will now return to the plans to reduce the number of local authorities and a reorganisation of health services. The initiative, first championed by Northern Ireland secretary, Peter Hain, was stalled because of the breakdown in power sharing. The plan is set to deliver savings of up to £200m a year. Deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness, said he believed the new administration would mark a ‘fundamental change of approach'.
