Green Councillors have today condemned plans by the Labour Government to abolish the Committee System, one that Sheffield has been operating since 2022. This followed the successful It’s Our City campaign and referendum to get rid of the Cabinet system.
Labour Local Government Minister, Jim McMahon MP in a Ministerial Statement said
“The government plans to legislate to abolish the committee system, requiring those councils currently operating this model to transition to the leader and cabinet model (which the vast majority of councils in England already currently operate)”
Responding to the statement Green Group Leader Councillor Angela Argenzio said,
“Labour are proposing to overrule the will of Sheffielders, who overwhelmingly voted to abolish the unrepresentative Cabinet System which served Sheffield so badly. The Sheffield Tree Scandal showed what can happen when only a few Councillors can vote on important decisions that affect local people.
“These plans by the Government disrespect the views of Sheffielders who voted 65% to 35% to get rid of the unaccountable and less democratic Cabinet system. It appears that it is now Government policy to ignore the will of local people.
“People expect all Councillors they vote for to take part in making the decisions that affect the City. it is clearly wrong that a system that has been working well in Sheffield should be abolished by a remote Labour Government.
“There have been many benefits of the Committee System in Sheffield
“We have seen greater collaboration between Councillors across political groups in policy formulation and in the decision making processes of the council. The Committee System has also helped overcome party political tribalism. The culture of the Council has changed for the better with officers and Councillors focusing on what is best for the city.
“The committee system, has led to improved cross-party working and better outcomes for our city, particularly now the Council has no Party with a majority
“We have seen a wider number of Councillors involved in the decision-making of the council and a greater accountability of Councillors to the electorate due to their engagement in decision-making.
“It benefits nobody in Sheffield to return to the autocratic top-down behind closed doors decision-making of the Cabinet system.
“We will ask all Councillors on Sheffield City Council to oppose these dictatorial Government plans. We will also ask Sheffield’s Labour MPs to make representations to their Minister demanding he reverse his proposals and respect the will of local people.”
References
! – Sheffield City Council response to proposals to abolish the Committee System
