Have your say about how the council is run
Thursday, 7th October 2010.
People in St Edmundsbury are being asked their views about electing a mayor or leader, but the consultation comes with a warning because the whole system may be chamged soon.
The Coalition Government has said it will introduce its own legislation about running councils but the previous government told councils they must consult their residents about the way decisions are made by the executive.
In St Edmundsbury's case, the executive is its cabinet – the leader of the council and up to nine other councillors.
St Edmundsbury's Leader is elected every year and then he or she appoints other members to the cabinet, each of whom has a specific area of expertise (a portfolio). The previous government told councils they must ask people whether they wanted this system changed.
But in a letter to councils, the new Minister for Housing and Local Government, Grant Shapps, says although the legislation requiring the consultation is still in force, the Government intends to repeal it.
"This may mean that any governance model you adopt in May 2011 may be further changed within a year or so," he says.
He adds it is the Government's expectation that: “In today's circumstances all councils will pursue this (consultation) at minimal cost."
People are still welcome to take part in the consultation, although it is likely to be repeated again some time in the future when new arrangements are announced.
You can complete the consultation form online at www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/consultations or pick up a form from the council's Bury St Edmunds or Haverhill offices.
The Coalition Government has said it will introduce its own legislation about running councils but the previous government told councils they must consult their residents about the way decisions are made by the executive.
In St Edmundsbury's case, the executive is its cabinet – the leader of the council and up to nine other councillors.
St Edmundsbury's Leader is elected every year and then he or she appoints other members to the cabinet, each of whom has a specific area of expertise (a portfolio). The previous government told councils they must ask people whether they wanted this system changed.
But in a letter to councils, the new Minister for Housing and Local Government, Grant Shapps, says although the legislation requiring the consultation is still in force, the Government intends to repeal it.
"This may mean that any governance model you adopt in May 2011 may be further changed within a year or so," he says.
He adds it is the Government's expectation that: “In today's circumstances all councils will pursue this (consultation) at minimal cost."
People are still welcome to take part in the consultation, although it is likely to be repeated again some time in the future when new arrangements are announced.
You can complete the consultation form online at www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/consultations or pick up a form from the council's Bury St Edmunds or Haverhill offices.
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