Cabinet opens doors to public (From Barry And District News)

Cabinet opens doors to public

BARRY residents were able to see crucial decisions being made on Tuesday, when the Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet opened its doors.

In what was hailed a "momentous" occasion by council leader Cllr Jeffrey James, both press and public were allowed to see crucial decisions being made by the cabinet for the first time.

The move is part of a programme of reform for the council, which will change the way its business is dealt with.

It is the result of the Local Government Act 2000: Part II says local people should have a real say in how they are governed.

The council undertook a major consultation exercise to get people's views. The response was a majority in favour of the council's 'preferred option' - a leader and cabinet system.

This means that all 47 councillors will continue to be elected by the people of the Vale every four years.

The full council will still be responsible for key decisions such as the budget, the level of council tax and the appointment of committees to deal with issues such as planning and licensing.

Most other decisions will be the responsibility of the cabinet, which has ten members, overseen by designated scrutiny committees.