Council leader’s credibility ‘in tatters’ after scrapped ‘super council’ vote
A key vote on whether to move towards a Nottinghamshire ‘super-council’ has been scrapped just two days before it was set to take place.
In an echo of Theresa May’s decision to delay the vote on EU withdrawal agreement, the Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council Kay Cutts MBE has shelved plans for a vote on the decision to create a single authority of two large councils.
In a statement, Cutts said: “Everyone knows I believe that the current system of Local Government is unsustainable. Our outline Business Case supports my view that there is a better way to plan and deliver services for local people who pay for them out of their taxes.
“However, I accept that my view is not universally supported. After meeting with District Council Leaders and Chief Executives and after much reflection, I have decided to withdraw the Outline Business Case from Thursday’s County Council meeting.
“We had a productive meeting with Leaders and Chief Executives of District Councils last week and they are willing to work with us on the delivery of local services but we all need more time to consider and discuss the potential options.
“I have listened to all the voices on my own and opposition benches and decided to pause and take more time to reflect.
“Nonetheless there is no simple solution to the significant financial challenges we face and savings will still have to be made to close the funding gap. We will need to consider radical solutions and not just look at back office functions.”
There have been calls from the leader of the Labour group on the council for Cutts to resign.
Labour leader Alan Rhodes tweeted: “[This is] a huge climb down and it raises the question of whether Cllr Cutts can continue as Leader of Nottighamshire County Council with her reputation and credibility in tatters.”
