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County Hall review: Call for Islanders’ voices on ‘Leader and Cabinet’ system

Do you want to influence the way decisions are made at the Isle of Wight council?

Islanders are being asked to share their views on how councillors can improve their decision-making and become more inclusive, as part of a look into the way the County Hall works.

A review is underway into its ‘leader and cabinet’ system — which sees a few councillors making decisions for the whole Island.

Brodie: Cabinet model fails to involve all
Councillor Geoff Brodie, who put forward the proposals in July,  said he felt the cabinet model fails to involve all elected councillors in decision-making.

It could mean a return to a  ‘committee’ system, which would mean decisions would be made by more councillors in specific, politically balanced teams.

Your views wanted
The Future Governance Working Group is now seeking the views of Islanders, asking how well they think the current system engages residents and whether they think their local representatives can influence decisions that, in turn, affect voters.

Councillor Andrew Garratt, chair of the audit and governance committee, said he wants to hear what residents would like to see improved.

Speak to your councillor
If you want to share your thoughts, contact your elected Isle of Wight council representative (find them here) by 31st October 2023.

The working group will report back with its findings in January.


This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed