Powys decision making to remain with cabinet

Claims that major decisions within Powys County Council should be taken by all members and not just the cabinet have been rejected by the council’s leader.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of the Council, was speaking after ten councillors called for a special meeting in October to debate whether or not all councillors not just the Cabinet should take decisions on secondary and post 16 education.

“The Cabinet system is not unique to Powys. Nearly all county councils in Wales, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Parliament and national government in Westminster have a cabinet style administration,” he said.

 “Powys moved to a Cabinet system at the annual meeting in May, the decision followed public consultation on the subject which was approved by a special meeting of the full county council last year.

“Two of the council’s groups - the Powys Independent Alliance and the Welsh Liberal Democrats – have formed a ruling group known as the Administration and they take decision on behalf of the majority of members within the council.

“Within the cabinet I have appointed portfolio holders to lead in a variety of subject areas, one of which is learning and leisure which includes secondary education. The decision allows the member to build up a level of knowledge and expertise that is impossible for the wider membership.

“Local government democracy is fairly straightforward, we all ask someone to represent us and take decisions on our behalf, at ward level, within political groups and as members of a cabinet executive. The system is design to ensure that decisions are taken efficiently and have the support of the majority.

“Having established and approved a cabinet system to take strategic decisions it does not seem logical to then challenge its right to consider one of the most important decisions faced by the council.

“The future of our secondary schools is the crucial. The size of the education budget means any decisions will impact all services areas for many years to come,” he added.