City decision-making review may give public bigger say

Leeds City Council currently operates under an executive board system, but senior councillors are concerned that this isn't inclusive and does not give the public and other partner organisations enough of a say in the city's key decisions.

Now councillors want to review these arrangements and look at replacing them with a system that will engage key partners such as the police, the health service and the public in the decision-making process.

The leader of the council, Keith Wakefield, said: "The way we do our business in Leeds hasn't moved with the times and I am acutely aware that the way we make decisions isn't transparent or inclusive enough.

"The people of Leeds can play a pivotal role in the decisions that affect them, as can the partner organisations the council works with on a daily basis.

"I tabled a motion proposing that our democratic structures be reviewed to strengthen accountability and to promote greater involvement of other people who care deeply about the city. We also want to ensure elected councillors are at the heart of decision-making in Leeds."

It is hoped the review will also lead to greater opportunities for the public to make their voices heard, Coun Wakefield being keen to ensure local people have a say.

At a meeting of the full council, councillors voted in favour of Coun Wakefield's motion, which called on the chief executive to investigate the potential for a modernised committee system to replace the current leader and executive board arrangements.

Further discussions will now take place and a report prepared looking at future options.

Currently the law does not allow for a committee system for an authority of the size of Leeds City Council. However, the council is waiting to hear whether this will change in the Government's planned Decentralisation and Localism Bill, which is expected to give greater power over local decision-making.

Leeds City Council is currently a Labour-led council. Its executive board is responsible for making the authority's major decisions either directly, or by delegation to officers.