Opposition over council 'scrutiny' merger saving thousands

CONSOLIDATION COULD MEAN A SAVING OF £7,500 A YEAR BY CUTTING ALLOWANCES

- BY JAMES TURNER Local Democracy Reporter

BOSTON Borough Council is set to overhaul its oversight arrangements by replacing two existing committees with a single, larger standalone body—a decision opposition members warn will lead to “diminished” scrutiny.

At its annual general meeting on Monday, May 19, councillors voted to establish one committee in place of the two existing overview and scrutiny committees: the corporate and community committee and the environment and performance committee.

A report to councillors stated that reducing the number of committees from two to one would save £7,500 a year by cutting the allowances paid to committee chairmen and vice-chairmen under the Members' Allowance Scheme.

The new committee will be made up of 15 members, compared with the previous total of 11, and could meet more regularly. A review is set to take place in six months.