Government-style cabinet for Powys?

A Westminster-style Cabinet system could be introduced at Powys County Council next year and county residents are being asked for their views on the proposal.

 

A special meeting of Powys County Council has agreed to start public consultations on proposed changes which could lead to a new decision–making process being in place from May 2011.

 

The council currently operates a political management structure known as an ‘alternative arrangement’ where major decisions are taken by a chairman and 14 board members.

 

But, the Welsh Assembly Government is introducing new rules to reduce the number of executive options open to local authorities including the removal of the ‘alternative arrangement’ system from April 2012.

 

The county council at its special meeting agreed to start consultation on options available and on introducing any new system 12 months before the Assembly’s timetable. The early introduction will give the changes a chance to bed in ahead of the next county council elections in May 2012.

 

The Assembly move will leave just two options for Wales’ 22 unitary authorities, a Leader and Cabinet Executive or an Elected Mayor and Cabinet Executive.

 

Under the options either the leader or publicly elected mayor would appoint a cabinet of up to 10 councillors – to include the leader/mayor - who would be responsible for all day to day decisions within policies or budgets set by the council. Unlike Powys’ current Board system neither cabinet model has to be politically balanced.

 

Powys has expressed a preference for the Leader and Cabinet model but is giving residents a chance to voice their opinions. Details of the proposals are listed on the council’s website www.powys.gov.uk under ‘Have your Say’ and the deadline for comments is Thursday September 30, 2010.