[Adapted from an Isle of Wight Council press release]

Isle of Wight Council decision-making will be under the committee system from 2025, replacing the current Cabinet model.

This means instead of a single Cabinet of up to 10 councillors (usually from one political group), decisions will be made by committees with representation from all political groups on a proportional basis.

Some decisions can only be taken by all councillors at a full council meeting such as setting the budget and council tax. Other other committees that deal with any regulatory matters such as planning and licensing will carry on as they currently do.

The new committees will include a policy, finance and resources committee, and four other service committees covering:

• children’s services, education and skills;
• adult social care, public health, and housing;
• economy, regeneration, transport, and infrastructure;
• environment and community protection.

I voted for this system as it means more councillors are involved in the key decisions being taken by the council. This will see different perspectives being voiced on decisions and much more chance of different political groups finding common ground.

More information on what the new style of committee system will mean for the Isle of Wight Council is available online.