Witney News - West Oxfordshire District Council appointments

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West Oxfordshire District Council appointments

At West Oxfordshire District Council’s annual meeting on Wednesday 15 May, Cllr Derek Cotterill, who represents Burford, was appointed for a fourth year as Chairman of the Council. Cllr Louise Chapman, representative for Witney West, was also re-appointed as Vice Chairman.

Following his re-election, Cllr Cotterill thanked councillors for their support and welcomed two newly-elected councillors: Cllr Jeanette Baker representing Witney East and Cllr Lynn Little representing Carterton South.

Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of the Council announced that Cabinet membership would remain the same and that Cllr Mark Booty would continue as Deputy Leader. .

Below is a breakdown of Cabinet portfolio arrangements:

Leader of the Council – Cllr Barry Norton
Cllr Norton’s role covers the Council’s policy framework, corporate planning, co-ordination of executive functions, emergency planning and public relations. He also represents the Council on a number of bodies locally, regionally and nationally including the Oxfordshire Partnership Board, Oxfordshire Leaders Group, the Local Government Association and South East England Councils.

Innovation, Health and Community Safety – Cllr Mark Booty
In addition to his role as Deputy Leader, Cllr Booty’s portfolio includes the Council’s work on improving efficiency while continuing to provide high quality services. This includes aspects such as two-tier working, partnership arrangements, councillor development and performance management. His portfolio also covers health, community safety and Scrutiny of the Police and Crime Commissioner and he is the Elderly Persons Champion.

Environment – Cllr David Harvey
Cllr Harvey will continue to cover all areas of waste and recycling collections, climate change, flooding, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, environmental enforcement and environmental health, as well as licensing, car parking and transport issues.

Resources – Cllr Simon Hoare
Cllr Hoare’s post covers finance and management, customer services, IT services, asset management, project management, human resources and equality and diversity, and ‘Procurement Champion’.

Local Economy and Communities – Cllr Richard Langridge
Cllr Langridge continues with responsibility for economic development, rural development, business liaison, inward investment, parish and town council liaison and supporting the voluntary sector. As part of this portfolio, Cllr Langridge is responsible for tourism, sports and leisure facilities and strategy, arts and sports grants, village hall grants, lifelong learning and is the Council’s ‘Young Persons’ Champion’ and ‘Broadband Champion’.

Strategic Planning and Housing – Cllr Warwick Robinson
Cllr Robinson takes on responsibility for housing, in addition to planning and development issues. His portfolio includes, Regional Spatial Strategy, the Local Plan, Government planning policies and guidance, conservation and design, landscape/biodiversity, building control, housing/homelessness, sheltered housing accommodation, affordable housing and supporting people. He is the ‘Design and Historic Environment Champion for the District.

Speaking after the meeting Council Leader Barry Norton said, “West Oxfordshire is well known as a desirable place to live. Just over an hour from London by road or rail, yet the district is the second most rural area in the South East with historic market towns, picture postcard villages and idyllic rolling countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Add to this a thriving local economy, high employment levels, low crime rates, a good choice of shopping, free car parking and the second lowest district council tax levy in England and you begin to see why our District Council is determined to continue to work on behalf of our residents, businesses and visitors to ensure our district continues to thrive and prosper.”

As well as the appointment of the Cabinet, Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Council appointed members of its various committees, sub-committees and overview and scrutiny committees.

For more details about Councillors and committee membership, see www.westxon.gov.uk/councillors

Posted : 20/05/2013 07:13:40

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