Labour to radically change council

WARRINGTON Borough Council’s new controlling Labour group has given formal notice of its intention to radically change the authority’s committee structure in a way that will enable all councillors to take part in decision-making processes.
They want to reduce the size of the executive board and create a stronger, more accountable committee structure.
No details have yet been given – but it is known that many councillors – of all parties – look back to the old committee system of local government with considerable affection.
It is doubtful if Labour-controlled Warrington will revert completely to the old system, but senior councillors are looking at some aspect of the old committee structure with a view to bring them back.
Labour leader Terry O’Neill says his group want to create a more open and transparent Town Hall so that the public knows where the council tax is going and what councillors are doing.
He said: “On this point of transparency, we hereby give formal notice of our intention to enter into consultation about reducing the size of the executive board and to also create a stronger and more accountable committee structure…one where the entire town’s democratically elected representatives, from all parties, are included in the Town Hall decision making process.
“We want to create a Town Hall that is inclusive, not exclusive.”
For the time being, Labour has appointed a 10-strong executive board – the same size as the previous Lib Dem-Conservative administration. No indication has been given as to how much smaller it could become.
But Cllr O’Neill said: “The new executive board is diverse, not just demographically, but more importantly in terms of skills, experience and knowledge.
“This Labour administration intends to play a much greater role in setting the strategic priorities and overseeing the work of the council. That is why we have created a new executive board structure which not only better aligns each portfolio to the directorates but also allows the executive board as a collective to seek out and drive forward positive chance and improvements.”
Cllr O’Neill said the council was fortunate to have constructive union representation in Warrington – ideal “critical friends” of the authority.
He urged the opposition parties to be fair-minded and constructive.
“On our part, where the previous administration got things right, we will say so and build on their work for the good of the town.”