Here, we explain the changes and ask for your views on which of three options you think Salford City Council should choose for organising democracy in the city. Local Government Act 2000 Salford City Council, like all organisations, needs to move with the times and in response to changing public expectations. The old committee system was designed over a century ago and the government believes that it does not work today. Under the new arrangements either an officer or one named individual councillor the ruling body as a whole or full council will make a decision. Under the new arrangements an individual councillor may be called before an overview and scrutiny committee to explain a decision.
Current arrangements have limited requirement for in depth scrutiny of decisions.
The government states that councils need strong leadership, with figures that are known throughout the local community. Their aim is to have councils with politicians who promote the interests of their communities and the whole area and can form partnerships with other government bodies, the voluntary sector and the business community. Salford City Council began this process of change almost two years ago. We have been piloting option one as set out below. Just as we consulted local people then, we want your views now on how we organise democracy in our city.