New council leader appointed

Councillor Morris Bright was officially elected as the Leader of the Council at an extra-ordinary council meeting on Monday.

Councillor Bright has served on Hertsmere Borough Council since 1999 as councillor for Elstree and takes up his new role with immediate effect.

He said: "I am privileged to have been elected as the new Leader at Hertsmere. I will continue to work with, and for, our residents and communities to enable us to improve services further and ensure that we are focusing on the needs of everyone.

"I have no doubt that there will be challenges ahead but I look forward to working with you all to rise to those challenges in an effort to try to help make the quality of life in our towns and villages that much safer, happier and better.

"I would also like to thank Councillor John Graham for his work as leader over the past year."

Sajida Bijle, acting Chief Executive, said: "Councillor Bright has been an active member of this authority for eight years and during that time has been involved in a number of key areas of work which have had a positive and lasting impact on the community.

"As portfolio holder for Community Safety and Property, and chairman of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, he has championed issues such as Police Community Support Officers, alcohol free zones, and improved CCTV - issues which directly affect the quality of life of people in Hertsmere. I would like to welcome him as Leader and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role."

Councillor Bright served as deputy leader prior to being appointed leader and has held the portfolio for Community Safety and Property for six years.

Along with a new leader, the council has made changes to its Executive and the functions of the different portfolios as follows:

Leader – Councillor Morris Bright
Broad areas of responsibility: Overall strategy and co-ordination, the Community Strategy, interface with external agencies, chairing meetings of Executive, Elstree Film Studios, communications/publicity/consultation.
 
Community Safety and Transport Portfolio Holder – Councillor John Donne
Broad areas of responsibility: Community safety and CCTV, parking and transportation, including controlled parking zones, residual highways matters, road safety, concessionary fares, Dial A Ride, contracted bus services and abandoned vehicles.
 
Culture and Health Portfolio Holder - Councillor Brenda Batten
Broad areas of responsibility: Cultural Strategy, Leisure, parks, cemeteries, museums, youth issues, services for the elderly, community centres, grant applications, town twinning and healthcare.
 
Environment Portfolio Holder - Councillor Jean Heywood
Broad areas of responsibility: Environmental policy, waste management (street cleansing, recycling and waste collection), environmental health, drainage, street scene, grounds maintenance, parks cleansing and maintenance.
 
Finance and Property Portfolio Holder - Councillor John Graham
Broad areas of responsibility: Finance, Benefits, efficiency, loan applications, property/asset management, Bushey Golf and Country Club.
 
Housing And Infrastructure Portfolio Holder - Councillor Rebecca Foy
Broad areas of responsibility: Housing, risk management, efficiency, E-government and ICT, corporate performance management, Customer Services/complaints, diversity issues as they relate to equal opportunities, Print Services, Executive input into human resources policy, Best Value, partnerships, procurement and in house catering.
 
Planning and Enforcement Portfolio Holder - Councillor Hannah David
Broad areas of responsibility: Planning, Building Control, economic development and regeneration, street markets and Executive enforcement functions.