Hartlepool Borough Council outlines changes coming as it switches to cabinet decision-making model
Hartlepool council chiefs say residents will continue to see the same services and support as they do now when it moves to a new system of governance.
Hartlepool Borough Council has confirmed it will switch from the current cross-party committee system of making decisions to a Leader and Cabinet model from Thursday, December 10.
It will see a council leader – currently carried out by Cllr Dave Bruce – elected by councillors.
The leader will then appoint an Executive of councillors to oversee key areas such as housing, children's services, regeneration, neighbourhoods and finance.
The current system is being abolished under a Government plan in order to streamline decision-making and boost accountability.
The council had until June 29 next year to introduce the new governance model and Labour opposition raised concerns the transition was being "rushed".
But ruling Reform leaders on the council said a December switch would bring greater accountability and allow time for the new arrangements to settle before next May’s local elections.
Cllr Bruce said: “This change is about following the Government's decision and creating clearer leadership and accountability while ensuring residents continue to receive the services they expect.
“Councillors will remain at the heart of their communities, representing local people and helping to shape the future of our borough.”
The leader for the new arrangement will be elected by councillors at a meeting of the full council.
Councillors who are not members of the Executive will review decisions and hold decision-makers to account through Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
The council says residents should not notice any disruption to services, and the new model is not expected to increase costs.