Political Structures and Elections

Aims: 
Residents are being asked for their views on changes to Wyre Forest District Council’s decision-making arrangements.  Opinions on the frequency of local elections is also up for discussion. 
 
The consultation is a result of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. District councils are required to choose between two options for their Cabinet (executive) by the end of 2010. One option is to have a directly-elected executive Mayor – this would have to be approved by a referendum of local voters. The other choice is the so-called “strong leader” model where the Leader is elected by Council but the Leader appoints members of the cabinet and allocates responsibility for executive functions. Under both options, the elected Mayor or Leader would be in office for 4 years, starting in May 2011. 
  
Residents are also being asked for their views on a possible change to arrangements for elections. At the moment, the Council is elected by thirds.  This means that there are District Council elections three years in every four. The consultation paper will seek comments on whether the Council should decide to move to elections of the whole council in May 2011 and every four years after that.
 
The Leader of the Council, Councillor John Campion, said:
“I look forward to hearing the views of Wyre Forest residents on these important issues. It is right that we should consult local people to understand what they want before all members of the District Council have to take decisions later this year.
 
“There are various arguments for and against changing the electoral cycle. In present economic circumstances and with the need to reduce public expenditure, one issue that we have to consider is the substantial saving that could be achieved through having district council elections once every four years.
 
“However I would stress that no decisions have b

Geography / Coverage:  Wyre Forest