The role of chairman is important. The individual is the spokesman for their respective remit and as part of the senior member team, takes part in the budget setting process and policy decision making plans. They play a crucial role in challenging officers and ensuring that we positively question ourselves and our ideas to ensure the best outcome for residents.
Our Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen for 2011/2012 are as follows:
Policy, Performance and Resources Panel:
Louise McKinlay and Linda Golding
Environment, Health and Housing Panel:
Roger Hirst and Jan Pound
Highways and Localism Panel:
Tony Sleep and Claire Cornell
Business, Community and Culture Panel:
Mark Reed and Jean McGinley
Planning and Licencing Committee:
Roger McCheyne and Noelle Hones
Audit Panel:
Chris Hossack and Michael Golding
Overview & Scrutiny Panel:
Mike Le–Surf (Chair offered to the opposition to ensure real scrutiny) and Lionel Lee
Louise McKinlay said: “Over the last couple of years, I have reduced the number of panels on the Council by amalgamating some together. This not only limits the number of meetings and therefore lowers the administrative costs to the Council but also means that fewer special responsibility allowances are paid to councillors. Furthermore, both myself and Roger Hirst have taken on chairmen roles in addition to our duties as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council (but we do not take the additional allowance). All of this is topped off by an overall reduction of 10% in all member allowances.
With Local Government facing a tight financial squeeze, it is only right that councillors play their part in “doing more with less.” Additional responsibilities and higher expectations to deliver, coupled with reduced allowances ensure that we are leading from the front and acting as an example.”