THE DIFFERENT political parties which make up Bromsgrove District Council have shed light on their groups talks about the best way forward for the authority.
Labour leader Coun Peter McDonald said his group would back the council moving to a committee system which would see a number of different committees formed comprising members from the various parties and cross-party chairmen.
Coun McDonald, who has experienced 20 years of a committee model, said he felt the proposal would be widely backed by the other parties on the authority.
“On May 24 – at the first full council meeting – we will be calling for a complete overhaul of the way the council is run.
“We don’t believe the current cabinet system would work long-term – the people of Bromsgrove last Thursday voted for change and we need full change, not partial.
“The committee system is more open and democratic with all decisions made in public and, rather than being run by few cabinet members, every councillor would be involved in decision making.”
He added he had held discussions with all parties and believed there would be overwhelming support.
Coun Josh Robinson, from the Liberal Democrats, added he would be talking to his group about the idea.
“A committee system would be a positive cross-party way forward – it would make sure everyone’s voice was heard.”
The Lib Dems have maintained they want their three priorities to be implemented – the reopening of Artrix, protecting the green belt and finding the right spaces for the right properties and factoring in the right infrastructure. The group also wants a proper study into addressing Bromsgrove’s traffic gridlock, such as a relief road or other solution.
Independent Charles Hotham said: “We do need to come to some agreement but we cannot pre-empt anything before it has been decided.
“Personally, as someone who has long thought a committee system an effective way to run a council, it is definitely an option and not one I would disagree with.”
Coun Karen May, the leader of the Conservatives which has the most number of councillors with 11 but not enough for a majority, added: “I will be taking the proposal back to my group on Monday, be putting my perspective forward and asking them for members for their views.
“All the parties have worked very hard since last Thursday and we are definitely moving forward and making progress – and it is important we do for the good of all the people living in Bromsgrove district.”
The discussions have been needed because last week’s election led to there being no overall majority. By the end of the count, the Conservatives finished on 11, Labour on eight, the Independents on seven and the Lib Dems on five.
So what happens now?
The Standard is still awaiting confirmation from Bromsgrove District Council officers on the process.
We understand it could take a year to fully implement the new system as there are legal steps to follow and a new constitution will need to be drawn up.
It is anticipated the system – if agreed on May 24 – would be operational around April or May next year.
Between now and then, the cabinet system would still be used – maybe with a cross-party cabinet and it would be in all members’ and parties’ best interests for plenty of compromise and give and take to ensure the council works effectively.
Failure to find a positive way forward could lead to the council not getting much completed.
Leader and Cabinet model vs Committee system
Under a Leader and Cabinet model, currently operated by Bromsgrove District Council and by most local authorities in England, the full council elects a leader who appoints and chairs the cabinet.
Each cabinet member has a specific area of responsibility – for example housing, finance, regeneration or the environment. The cabinet meets regularly (weekly or fortnightly) so decisions are made quickly. The cabinet’s decisions then go before the full council to be debated, agreed or refused.
Under the Committee System, the council establishes a number of committees, each with a specific area of responsibility.
The political groups appoint some of their elected members to each committee. More councillors are actively involved in decision-making, but it can take longer to reach decisions.
(Source – The Local Government Association)
Moving forward…..
The councillors we spoke to gave examples of authorities where the Committee System was up and running and working well, including Worcester and Cheshire. They added, were an agreement to be made to change the model, they would be liaising with Committee System-councils to get a better insight into how they operate.
Bromsgrove District Council officers will also be tasked with informing councillors on how the system works and assisting with its implementation.
