Caradon may have a leader and a chairman
A Government initiative was taken on board by Caradon councillors when they took a new look at how it organises itself - and suggested that maybe they might have a chairman, plus a leader, in the future.
A consultation paper headed 'Local Leadership and Local Choice' introduced the content of a bill which primarily aims at establishing new political arrangements and codes of conduct for local authorities. The government sees the present l00-year-old committee system as inefficient and lacking in accountability. A new form of local government is proposed, which involves three broadly based ideas for councils.
The suggestions regard a concept of elected mayors with a 'cabinet' agreed via a local referendum; a 'cabinet' with a leader elected by its members; or an elected mayor heading a management group led by a council manager.
Caradon appears to be aiming at establishing a council chairman backed by a 'leader', who would be in charge of operations. The chairman would be a general umpire and look after ceremonial aspects. It is, however, early days and the government is expecting all authorities to undertake a consultation programme, seeking the views of the public.