RSUA has today highlighted concerns regarding the proposed governance arrangements for the NI Executive’s forthcoming Just Transition Commission, including its independence, accountability mechanisms and long-term resourcing.
The comments were submitted in response to a public consultation by the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on The Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026.
RSUA thanks Maeve Gorman and Ben James, both members of our Climate Emergency Committee, for their input.
Institutional independence
RSUA supports the principle of creating a Just Transition Commission to help address climate change and support a fair transition to net zero. However, we have raised concerns about the extent to which the proposed body would be able to operate independently.
The draft Regulations would establish the Commission as an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Under these Regulations, DAERA would appoint and remove the Chair and members of the Commission, determine remuneration and approve the establishment of committees.
RSUA considers that this model may create a heightened risk of real or perceived conflicts of interest, particularly where the Commission would be required to scrutinise the same department that manages it.
Performance and accountability
RSUA has also queried the proposed performance and accountability framework.
The draft arrangements provide that the Chair’s performance would be assessed by DAERA and that the Department itself would conduct the Post-Project Evaluation 12 months after the Commission’s establishment.
If the Commission is to remain under DAERA’s direct governance, RSUA has suggested that more impartial oversight could be built into the framework. This may include, for example, periodic review by the Assembly’s AERA Committee.
Resourcing
Finally, RSUA has commented on the proposed funding arrangements. The Regulatory Impact Assessment estimates average annual costs of £341,406 over the first four years, covering member remuneration (based on around 15 sitting days per year), a small secretariat and operational expenses.
While acknowledging that a statutory funding guarantee may not be feasible, RSUA has suggested that the Regulations or accompanying documents could more clearly signal an expectation of stable, multi-year resourcing.
Further engagement
RSUA’s full consultation response can be viewed here.
If you have any comments or queries about this consultation response, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
