What happens now?
At the moment we have 50 borough councillors and local people vote every four years to elect a ward representative. These elected councillors then vote for a council leader and cabinet usually from the party with the biggest majority. The leader is in place for a year and is re-appointed annually. We also have a civic mayor who is not elected by local people. Their job is mainly to attend functions and other ceremonial duties.
What are the choices for the future?
There are two options to choose from. They are both different from the current system.
Option 1. Council leader and cabinet
This option is similar to the way the council is currently run. Local elections would take place every four years for residents to elect 50 councillors. As happens now, the whole council would select the leader. But there are differences. These are:
- the leader would select their own cabinet, appointing up to [nine] councillors, including a deputy.
- the leader would remain in office for four years.
- the leader could only be removed during their four year term by a vote of no-confidence by the whole council.
- a civic mayor would continue to be appointed annually to carry out ceremonial and other duties.
- there would be no additional cost to this option.
Option 2. A directly elected mayor and cabinet
This option is very different to the way the council is currently run. A mayor would be elected by local people every four years. This election would be in addition to the local elections, which would continue to take place. Other things you should know are that:
- the mayor would select their own cabinet, appointing up to [nine] councillors, including a deputy.
- a directly elected mayor could not be removed from office by the councillors.
- it is possible that the role of the Civic Mayor would no longer exist but the council could appoint a councillor to carry out ceremonial functions
- this option would require an increase in cost for an election and a greater special responsibility allowance for the Mayor.
What next?
We need to find out what our residents think about the two options outlined above and then propose the Council adopts option 1 or 2 next May following the next local elections. The consultation is open from 1 July 2010 to the 30 September 2010 and you can let us know what you think by completing the online survey here or emailing us at consultation@rushcliffe.gov.uk or writing to us at the Civic Centre. We want to know which option you prefer and why.
Differences between the new executive arrangement options
Summary of main differences between Rushcliffe’s current executive model and the two options under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.
| | Current Leader and Cabinet Model | New Leader and Cabinet Model | Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet Model |
| Appointment and term of office | Leader appointed by full Council annually. | Leader appointed by full Council for a 4 year term (or until the expiry of the Leader's term of office as a councillor). | The Mayor is elected directly by the electorate for a 4 year term. |
| Status | Leader is a member or councillor for all purposes. | Leader is a member or councillor for all purposes. | Directly Elected Mayor is not a member or councillor unless legislation indicates otherwise. |
| Removal | Leader can be removed by vote of no confidence. | Councils can choose to adopt procedures which would allow the removal of the Leader from office during the 4 year period. | The Directly Elected Mayor cannot be removed during his/her term of office. |
| Appointment of Cabinet | Full council appoints the cabinet members. | Council appoints Leader who then appoints his/her cabinet members, and deputy leader, and allocates responsibility. | Mayor appoints his/her cabinet members and allocates responsibility. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen to my comments?
In addition to consulting local residents, the Council will also consult with Borough Councilors and Town and Parish councils to ensure that we are aware of their views. All views expressed will be taken fully into account before proposals are drawn up.
Responses will be considered by the Council's Cabinet which will then make a recommendation to the full Council.
What happens next?
The closing date for responses is 30 September 2010.
Responses will be considered by the Council's Cabinet which will then make a recommendation to the full Council.
When will the results be known?
The final decision will be taken at the full Council meeting in December 2010. The Council will authorise the publication of its proposals in the local press so that local residents and other interested parties are made aware of the outcome.
What would happen if we disregarded the legislation and continued with our current model?
This is not an option and would be unlawful. If the council did not choose one of the two options itself, then one would be imposed by central Government.
What is the timescale?
- We consult people about their preferences for how the Council should be run between 1 July and 30 September 2010
- The outcome of that consultation will be reported to the Council's Cabinet in October 2010
- The proposal to be recommended to the Council will be published in December 2010
- It will then be formally considered by the Council in December 2010
- The revised arrangements will come into operation from May 2011
What happens if the Leader, during their term of office loses their seat in the local elections, would they retain their role as Leader?
No, a new leader would need to be appointed.
Who appoints the members of Cabinet?
Under the new style leader and cabinet model, the leader is appointed by the full Council. The members of the cabinet are then appointed by the leader who can appoint up to 9 cabinet members from amongst the existing councillors. This is different from the system currently operated in Rushcliffe, where both the leader and cabinet members are appointed by the full Council.
Can a leader be removed from office?
Yes, as under current arrangements, the council can include within its constitution mechanisms to remove a leader from office - for example, through a vote of 'no confidence'. The Councils current constitution requires a majority of council to carry a vote of no confidence.
If a leader lost his/her seat in a local election or was removed from office would the new leader be appointed for a new term of 4 years or for the remainder of the term of the outgoing leader?
They would be appointed for the remainder of the term of the outgoing leader.
Would you still have a civic mayor if you had an Elected Mayor
No, once you have an elected mayor, we would have to rename the civic mayor to avoid public confusion, to Chairman of the Council or other designation.
Can the mayor be removed during their term of office?
No, there is no mechanism for the elected council to remove a mayor within their four year term.
Does the Mayor have a ward?
No, he or she does not have an electoral ward to represent and would operate full time as Mayor.
What if an existing Councillor is elected as Mayor?
In that case there would have to be a by-election as they cannot be Mayor and a Councillor at the same time.
Can we retain the current old style Council Leader and Cabinet model?
No, this would be contrary to legislation and would result in a new, strong Council Leader and Cabinet model being imposed.
