Cabinet doors open (From Penarth Times)

Cabinet doors open

PENARTH residents were able to see crucial decisions being made on Tuesday when the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Cabinet opened its doors.

In what was hailed a "momentous" occasion by council leader Cllr Jeffrey James, both press and public were allowed to see crucial decisions being made by the Cabinet for the first time.

The move is part of a programme of reform for the council which will change the way their business is dealt with.

It is the result of the Local Government Act 2000 in which Part II says local people should have a real say in how they are governed.

It introduces arrangements which will deliver visible accountable leadership for the council and the community it serves and provide transparent and efficient decision-making.

These changes, which are happening right across Wales, are part of a wider policy to strengthen local authorities' ability to deliver effective community leadership, democratic renewal and continuous improvement in services.

The council undertook a major consultation exercise to get the views of the electorate and other stakeholders. The majority were in favour of the council's 'preferred option' - a Leader and Cabinet system.

This means that all 47 councillors will continue to be elected by the people of the Vale every four years.

The full council will still be responsible for key decisions such as the budget, the level of council tax and the appointment of regulatory committees to deal with issues such as planning and licensing.

Most other decisions will be the responsibility of the Cabinet which has ten members, subject to continuous overview and scrutiny by designated Scrutiny Committees.

In its first meeting the Cabinet discusses issues including the Jubilee, the Amelia Trust Farm and the Local Transport Plan.