New cabinet - more posts - increased cost!

Councillor Colin Lambert

Following the election earlier this month, Council Leader Colin Lambert has unveiled his new cabinet - with an increase in size from six to nine posts.

Council taxpayers will no doubt be looking to see whether the increased cost of a larger cabinet represents real value for money in these times of austerity. They may also ask serious questions of Councillor Lambert given he previously made a big fuss about reducing the size of the cabinet to save taxpayers money.

The three surprises are:

• Colin Lambert taking on health in addition to his role as leader.
• The creation of the somewhat strangely-named Strengthening Communities post given to Sultan Ali.
• Richard Farnell, returning to the  council after twenty years, picking up Corporate Services and Townships.

The full cabinet is:

• Farooq Ahmed - Finance
• Sultan Ali - Strengthening Communities
• Jaqueline Beswick - IT, Highway Services, Culture and Leisure
• Martin Burke - Environmental and Operational Services
• Richard Farnell - Corporate Services and Townships
• Jean Hornby - Adult Care
• Colin Lambert - Council Leader and Lead Member for Health
• Donna Martin - Children, Schools and Families
• Peter Williams - Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Customer Services

Councillor Lambert issued a statement saying: “The task facing RMBC is massive and we must get it right. The issue facing the council budget reductions are a challenge we will face with the community by listening to local residents.

“This involves questioning all spending across the council and our partner agencies and attempting to reduce the impact of the cuts on local council tax payers.

“We have combined our representation on the police authority with a cabinet post 'Strengthening Communities' something which we will need for sometime to come.

“I have taken on the role of Health Lead along with my role as Leader.

"Overall I believe we have a cabinet who can take the authority through these tough times and lead us forward with a plan for growth and protecting our communities.”