 New Forest District Council has instructed a consultant to review the ways in which council members can help improve decision making.
The Conservative controlled council is run by a cabinet system, where only a few select members of the ruling group decide what happens.
The remaining councillors, both Conservative and Liberal Democrat, are supposed to challenge decisions, through a process of scrutiny. However, the process seems not to be working.
Recently, the council was severely criticised by a High Court Judge and the Audit Commission following a failed legal case relating to slippery floors in sports centres. Local taxpayers will have to meet the costs involved, amounting to over £300,000.
Cllr. David Harrison, Leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group has supported the decision. He says “I would much rather be involved in effectively challenging poor decisions before actions are taken than condemning the Conservative cabinet after the event”.
The consultants, South East Employers, are expected to complete the work within an eight week time-frame. Council members will have a chance to consider any recommendations in the report but the ruling cabinet members will have the final say on whether anything changes.
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