The new cabinet for South Staffordshire Council formally met this week for the first time since its inception following the district elections.
Remaining as leader of the council is Councillor Roger Lees, alongside his portfolio of corporate services – covering functions; finance, HR, the Council Plan, and public sector strategic partnership - including community safety.
Councillor Victoria Wilson is the deputy leader, while also taking on the role of cabinet member for business enterprise and community infrastructure – covering services including planning, economic growth and regeneration, locality working and business enterprise.
New to the cabinet is Councillor Kath Perry MBE, taking lead on the community services and climate change portfolio. This role takes responsibility for services including leisure centres, waste and recycling, climate change, open space, Street Scene, and bereavement.
Remaining as cabinet member for digital transformation and estate management is Councillor David Williams, whose portfolio includes digital services, asset and estate management, service transformation, and commercial green programmes.
Councillor Rita Heseltine, meanwhile, continues to serve as cabinet member for regulatory services – including environmental health and licensing, emergency planning, legal, audit and risk.
Maintaining the role of cabinet member for welfare services is Councillor Robert Reade, over services such as housing matters, revenues and benefits, and cost of living.
Commenting on the new cabinet, Cllr Roger Lees highlighted it will be another demanding year ahead – but one that would undoubtedly see the authority rise to the challenge.
“I’m delighted to be resuming my role as leader of the council and would like to thank the electorate and my fellow elected members for their support,” said Cllr Lees.
“Our previous four years saw the council go from strength to strength, winning Council of the Year last year – among many other excellent achievements – and I very much look forward to leading the authority in building on its already superb foundations.”