The residents of Kirklees deserve a local council system that is both transparent and accountable. 

A system that enables all voices to be heard and ensures decisions truly reflect the needs and concerns of the community, is the best way forward. The current Cabinet model, which centralises power in the hands of “only 8” Labour cabinet members (out of total 69 councillors across all political parties), is failing to deliver this ideal. A proposed shift to a modern committee system, which would allow all councillors to have a greater involvement in decision-making, offers a more viable and fairer alternative long-term.

Background

In 2010, Lord Stunell, formerly Communities Government Minister of the Coalition Government said, “for the last decade councils have been forced to implement a one-size fits all model of government… we don’t presume to know more than local people about how their area should be run.” So, he made provisions to allow local authorities and communities to decide the best type of governance for their local area.

Many councils across England took up this opportunity. Kirklees did not. Since then, Kirklees has delivered many controversial decisions from safeguarding issues to regeneration like the former George Hotel and Cultural Heart, Lobo loans, huge debts written off and even a risk of section 114 bankruptcy. 

Kirklees Decides

 

 

 

Currently, the Cabinet system in Kirklees concentrates decision-making in the hands of a few members, thus, increasing the likelihood of leaving out broader voices of the council and their constituency. This has led to concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in how decisions are made. Cllr Andrew Cooper, Leader of the Green Group, says “People expect when they elect their councillors that they will be able to vote on issues affecting local people. This is not what happens.”

 

Research shows that committee systems encourage more open debates and scrutiny, thereby promoting local democracy. A modern committee system, that allows all councillors to participate in the decision-making would foster a more inclusive and transparent governance model. This approach has been widely acknowledged as fairer and has been praised for its positive impact on local accountability.

 

 

We call upon the residents of Kirklees to support a move towards a committee system of governance. By adding your signature below, you respectfully agree that the current leadership model is outdated and does not adequately represent the broader interest of the community. 

A committee-led model would better ensure:

1.     greater involvement of all councillors,

2.     increased transparency and accountability in decision-making, and

3.     a stronger connection between elected representatives and their constituents. 

As a signatory to this petition, we support steps to consider moving Kirklees back to a committee system and understand our interest may indicate local support to trigger a more formal borough-wide referendum. We feel this is an important step towards greater fairness, transparency, and representation in our local government.

Summary

“The way Kirklees is run must change. A committee system is being increasingly acknowledged and adopted as a fairer system. It allows communities to have a voice in the decisions being made about them. Council decisions have to be transparent and accountable to be robust, this move aims to achieve just that” 
- Cllr John Lawson, Leader of Lib Dem group.

We, the undersigned, express our interest in changing the current Cabinet system back to a committee-led system in Kirklees. We are in favour of:

• The move to transform to a modern committee system of governance.
• Enhance transparency, accountability and democratic participation.
• A committee system that better represents community interests than the current Cabinet model.