The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided for the replacement of regional authorities by regional assemblies with the general purpose of coordinating, promoting or supporting strategic planning and sustainable development, and promoting effectiveness in local government and public services. The composition of regions and other detailed provisions relating to regional assemblies are to be prescribed by Order.
Section 62(1)(4)(b)(i)(II) of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 sets out that:
“an order referred to in that paragraph may provide in respect of a regional assembly established by the establishment order, for all or any of the following matters: (i) the conferral of functions on the assembly in relation to the purposes set out in subsection (1), including— ……..(II) functions in connection with assistance from the European Union…..”
Regulation 29 of S.I. No. 573/2014 - Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014 sets out that with regard to:
“Functions in connection with assistance from the European Union 29.
The functions of a regional assembly in matters relating to assistance from the European Union shall be as determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with such terms, conditions, requirements or procedures as that Minister may specify…”
In this context, on 21 October, 2021, the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform appointed the Southern Regional Assembly as the Managing Authority for the 2021-2027 ERDF Operational Programme in the Southern and the Eastern and Midland regions, and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly as Managing Authority for the 2021-2027 ERDF Operational Programme for the Northern and Western region. This function remains with the bodies until the end of the 2021-2027 programme.
