British govt announces further cuts in NI bureaucracy

The British government has announced plans to more than halve the number of unelected public bodies operating in the North.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain said today that the number of so-called 'quangoes' would be reduced from 154 to 75 as part of a review of public administration in the North.

The British government has already announced plans to reduce the number of local councils from 26 to seven as part of the same review.

Mr Hain said the measures were designed to reduce costs and ensure resources were concentrated on delivering key public services rather than bureaucracy.

The largest body affected by the latest cuts is the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, while the Arts and Sports Councils are also facing the axe as part of the measures.