Executive considers council move

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The executive is expected to meet later to consider reviews of local government and rural planning.

A sub-committee is to re-examine the plan to create seven new super councils, which was approved by former Secretary of State Peter Hain.

Mr Hain's proposed shake-up of the 26 local councils divided the parties which sit on them.

Sinn Fein backed the idea of creating seven super councils, but the other parties wanted to retain as many as 15.

On Thursday, the executive is expected to approve the creation of a sub-committee which will be chaired by Environment Minister Arlene Foster.

The committee will consider how many councils there should be and what powers they should wield - some sources believe a 15 council model is the most likely compromise.

As well as local government issues, the executive will discuss a comprehensive review of rural planning, a programme for civil service reform and proposals for a new partnership with voluntary and community groups.