Issue - meetings

To inform Members of the approval of the Places Structure for Cheshire East.

The Prosperity Block Lead presented a paper informing the Panel of the approval of the Places Structure for Cheshire East.

It was noted that the draft Places Structure had been circulated to staff and many comments had been received.  These had been reviewed and many of them reflected in the final Structure, which was tabled at the meeting.

In particular it was noted there would be four Heads of Service with  responsibility for the following areas of business:-

·        Environmental Services

·        Safe & Stronger Communities

·        Planning & Policy

·        Regeneration

Recruitment to these posts was currently underway and the third tier managers were expected to be appointed during November.  The structure also set out fourth tier managers who will report into them (e.g. Refuse and Cleansing Manager, Highway Operations).  The Heads of Service, together with the Strategic Director, will take the lead in supporting the work of this Panel, the Portfolio Holders with responsibilities within Places, Cabinet and Council on place making and management matters.  Until these posts are filled, interim arrangements have been established by the Chief Executive to provide appropriate support in the short-term including policy and budget development.

The Officer Places Steering Group, which had been co-ordinating the transition to the new Directorate, would be reorganised to align the block work to the functional structure.

RESOLVED – that the Places Structure and arrangements for supporting the Places Advisory Panel. be noted.