New Constitution devolves decision making

10.23.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th Oct 2005

Deputy Leader of Uttlesford Dstrict Council, David Morson

Uttlesford District Council's Liberal Democrat Administration has introduced a New Constitution for the Council, to make it more inclusive and efficient.

Three Area Panels are to be formed, representing the North, East and South West parts of the district. They will allow Parish & Town Councils, Voluntary Organisations, Business Communities and other interested parties to participate in District Policy making which affects their localities.

The area panels will make decisions on grant allocations, road safety issues, and the local implementation of Council policies. They will be able to scrutinise how the Council's policies are affecting their part of the district.

Leader of the Council, Mark Gayler said, "The new constitution is designed to help the Council to be more efficient and more representative of the local community. Liberal Democrats believe in involving local people and making decisions as locally as possible."

"Our new area panels will make this happen. They will give ward members the chance to have more influence over the way the Council operates in their part of the district. They will also provide more opportunities for Town and Parish Councils and local residents to have a voice in what the Council does. By meeting more locally it will make it easier for people to come along to meetings, and discuss issues that are important to their part of the district."

The Council's main Policy Committees are also to be streamlined from five down to three. "This will allow more efficient and co-ordinated decision making in the Council", stated Deputy Leader David Morson. " At present there is considerable overlap and duplication of work. The new system will also allow Members to gain a broader understanding of related issues, and ensure more effective decision making."