Changes to speed up council decisions

Selby District Council announced yesterday that a new structure involving an executive of senior councillors is being introduced in an attempt to provide a more efficient process.

The new system replaces the previous structure of taking decisions through a number of board and committees.

Under the new arrangements, policies will be shaped by the council leader Mark Crane and the executive, although final decisions about budgets or policy changes will still go before meetings of the full council.

The move means that Selby District Council mirrors the structure that is in place in other local authorities in North Yorkshire covering areas including York.

Coun Crane said: “The new leader and executive model now enables us to take important decisions quickly, ultimately better supporting our communities and the people we serve.

“The new way of working also supports every single councillor in their role as the guardian of local interests.

“The move gives them more flexibility to represent the individual views of their constituents.”

The changes are aimed at speeding up decision-making so the council can be more responsive to the needs of residents.

It is also hoped that there will be greater accountability by making it clear who has made decisions and why, and also ensure councillors take a greater role representing the needs of their local wards.

Three scrutiny committees are also being introduced to support the development of central policy, to analyse decisions and performance and to monitor the council’s control procedures and risk management.

The council will continue to operate three regulatory committees covering planning, licensing and standards.