Are we going to see a fundamental change in how Powys County Council is run? At present it's run by an Executive Board, which is made up of all parties. The 15 seats are divvied out on the basis of number of Council seats won. At present the largest group, the Powys Independent Group (or Alliance) decide that one of theirs, Michael Jones serves as Chairman of the Board. But rumours are rife that some of the other councillors have had enough of this.
In particular, I'm told that the Liberal Democrat Councillors, who have 15 seats in total (only 2 in Montgomeryshire) are trying to do a deal with ...well anyone. Had a chat today with a leading Councillor (not Conservative I should add) about how these discussions could end up. I'm told that what are described as 'hush-hush' telephone calls are taking place as I type. I'll post again when the Conservative Group have discussed their response - as long as they're happy for me to tell you that is.
Personally, I would welcome a change from the current Executive Board system, which I've always thought is utterly ridiculous - inevitably leading to officers, rather than Councillors effectively taking all the decisions. I would prefer there to be an official 'ruling' group and an official 'opposition' group. It would provide an injection of accountability. It wouldn't surprise me if the officers would prefer this arrangement.
9 comments:
Not sure about what's going on a Powys County Council, also not sure if this was you who took picture #9 ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7747767.stm
Couldn't agree more with you Glyn, but I believe it would have to go to a public referendum.
Glyn, Whatever happens with the future make up of the Powys County Council, lets hope its for the benefit of the Powys Tax Payers and not the Councillors and their party? We could yet have a rainbow in Powys?
Hasn't Edna got the low down on what is going on?
I hear rumours of unrest. Councillors not happy with the current system - from all parties/groups.
From what I hear I think some of the new councillors are stirring things up there which no doubt the older councillors will hate?
Glyn, I have looked into the process to change the governance arrangements of local Councils and it is virtually impossible. It needs all party support, and a full consultation exercise. The Council need to convince the Minister that they have overwhelming support for the change. It is a lengthy and costly process. It was designed that way.
I'm sure Edna must of heard something? Maybe in inboxs somewhere.
I have no doubt the younger, newer members have been shaking things up bit by bit since May 08 and I'm sure both council officers and olders, 2nd, 3rd, 4th time round councillors don't like it one bit.
I wonder if it will get all party support, Gary Price makes a good suggestion of a possible Rainbow but surely Kirsty Williams isn't going to stand for that, lets not forget she's the one who ruined it last time.
I am personally undecided about whether the current set up should change or not. Quite frankly an alliance of the PIGs and the LimpDims is akin to the lunatics running the asylum; but in fact they do so already with the willing help of the manipulative officers. Whatever the decision, it should rightly be made in the open and with full consultation of the council tax payers. Somehow I doubt we shall be so fortunate in the People's Demoratic Republic of Powystan.
Gary - I believe a 'Cabinet' system would benefit the people of Powys, but I'm not at all sure it will happen. We have an enforced 'rainbow' at the moment.
anon - I do hear about disquiet, but it will take agreement and determination to change.
Peter - thanks for informative comment, which I've pased on to our group.
Jane - We have no option but to have a 'rainbow' at the moment. Even after a change to a 'cabinet' system, we could still have a rainbow, but with only 10 members rather than 15
Roman - It cannot happen without full transparency, in the form of a referendum.
lib dems in disquiet again ? has edna got any news ?
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