NO MATTER what the outcome of the May local government elections there is one issue that must be tackled head on by whichever party takes control of whichever council. That issue is the Cabinet system of local government. 

People have a right to expect the people making the biggest decisions to be the best and brightest. This is far from always being the case. Any system that includes extra payment for some councillors was clearly doomed to fail from the outset. 

Add to that the fact that Cabinet members are appointed by the council leaders and not by the councillors the situation becomes even more dubious. 

There are many outspoken, highly qualified and experienced councillors stuck on the back benches of councils for not supporting the right person in the leadership contests. There are few other highly paid jobs around where the person is appointed to the post without interview or qualifications. It is in the best interest of local democracy that all councillors receive a single rate of allowances as it used to be. 

During that time the equivalent of cabinet members were appointed by the entire group, solely on ability. 

Councillor Allan Morris
Lliswerry Ward
Newport City Council