Huntingdonshire District Council is to carry out a review of its existing committee structure.  The present arrangements with a cabinet system of decision making has been in operation now for six years, replacing the old out-moded committee system that had existed since the 19th century.

Announcing the review, Councillor Ken Churchill, special adviser to the cabinet, said: ”When we started operating the new arrangements, we had limited experience to draw upon in creating a new structure.  Now is the time to look back at what we have learnt and see how we can make the council more effective and efficient in its decision making processes.’

Councillor Churchill will be joined in his review by a small cross-party working group and will be looking at how the council can engage better with local people and involve them in the decision making process.  With greater partnership working and a Government White Paper on community empowerment imminent, Councillor Churchill said: “It’s an opportune time to take a look at both how we take decisions, as a council and in partnership with others, and also how best to hold the decision makers to account.’

The review is expected to be concluded by the autumn with changes implemented in the New Year.