§ 26. Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the consequences arising 563W from the proposed Cabinet structure for local government for those councils which consist mainly of independent councillors. [126719]
§ Mr. HansonI have discussed the proposals with Welsh local councils individually and with the WLGA. The majority of Welsh councils—including some of those consisting mainly of independents—are currently piloting some form of executive style decision making. We have made no general assessment of pilots individual councils are currently pursuing, however these innovations are being carried out under the existing legislative framework which is not designed for executive arrangements.
The Local Government Bill [Lords] provides a tailor made framework for executive arrangements including cabinets and directly elected mayors. The National Assembly for Wales will have the power to make further forms of executive available to Welsh councils if appropriate.