New Cabinet appointed to drive fresh thinking for council’s services
Following the unitary elections on 2 May 2013, Shropshire Council has today announced its top team to drive the council forward and tackle the upcoming financial challenges.
The Cabinet is responsible for most day-to-day decisions at the council, determining its policies and budget, ensuring that Shropshire residents get the best value for the council tax they pay.
Councillor Keith Barrow retains his post as Leader of the Council, having overall accountability for the council’s services, and responsibility for reputation management and communications. He will be supported by Councillor Ann Hartley as his Deputy, who takes charge of children’s services – transformation and safeguarding.
Councillor Tim Barker will hold the portfolio for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, with Councillor Karen Calder taking up the new role of leading on the council’s health agenda.
Councillor Mal Price is responsible for built environment – strategic planning, planning and housing; and with a renewed drive on Shropshire’s economy, Councillor Lee Chapman will be portfolio holder for growth, profitability and ip&e, Councillor Steve Charmley will focus on business growth, and Councillor Mike Owen will look after finance and audit.
Two further portfolios include leisure, libraries and culture, which will be held by Councillor Gwilym Butler, and highways and transport, which will sit with Councillor Claire Wild.
Councillor Cecilia Motley will be spokesperson for rural affairs, and will also be representing Shropshire as the vice chair of SPARSE, the national group representing over 100 of the most rural county, district and unitary councils in England.
All these appointments were formally ratified at the Annual Meeting of Shropshire Council today (Thursday 16 May 2013).
Councillor Barrow welcomed the changes to the Conservative administration:
“These changes to the Cabinet show our commitment to giving Shropshire residents the best services we can with the money available to us, whether delivered by the council or our partners. We are moving very firmly towards placing-decision making into the local areas of our county, giving people more control over the services they access, and I truly believe this new approach will deliver this.
“We know we have more severe cuts to our funding ahead of us and I know that my Cabinet is the right team to manage this challenge, putting Shropshire in the strongest position it can be. We now have a dedicated Cabinet member with responsibility for ip&e, who will play a key role in delivering services, creating solid employment opportunities inside and outside of Shropshire Council.
“This will be a transforming Cabinet, one that will evolve with the changes Shropshire will face over the coming years, and I am dedicated to giving the best opportunities to everyone who lives, works and visits our county now, and for generations to come.”
