Bournemouth residents’ views sought on Council’s political structure

Local residents are asked to share their views on how Bournemouth Borough Council should be run.

Public consultation starts today - 1 June 2010 - when local people will be asked to give their views on two proposed options for Council leadership.

Bournemouth Council must choose either to have a Leader and Cabinet or a Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet by May 2011, after the local elections.

The consultation is required following the introduction of a new law.  The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 gives two options on how the Council can be run in Bournemouth.

Joy Postings, Service Director for Law and Governance said: “It’s important that we consult with local people on their views about council leadership and that they are fully informed and understand the options.”

Residents are asked to feedback their views by writing to:

The Democratic Service Manager

Bournemouth Borough Council

Town Hall

Bourne Avenue

Bournemouth

BH2 6DY

Or email: democratic.services@bournemouth.gov.uk

For further information: www.bournemouth.gov.uk/leadership

Consultation ends on 31 August 2010. All feedback will be considered by Cabinet in November and a final decision made by Full Council in December 2010.

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For further information please contact 01202 454668.

Notes to editor:

Option A – Leader and Cabinet

Full Council elects the Leader to serve for four years – compared to one year at present. The Leader can then appoint between two and nine councillors to form a Cabinet.

Option B – Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet

The Mayor is elected by voters in the town to serve for four years. The Mayor is not a Councillor therefore he/she will work full-time as a Mayor. The Mayor can appoint between four and nine Councillors to form a Cabinet.

An elected Mayor is different to the ceremonial Mayor.