Cabinet portfolios

The Leader:

works with the Chief Executive and other senior officers to oversee our strategic direction and respond to any external assessment regimes which we have to comply with
is the Council's principal public spokesperson
works with key stakeholders in Chelmsford to promote our objectives and develop partnerships
with relevant Cabinet members, monitors major council projects to ensure that they are being developed and implemented in a timely and cost-effective manner
oversees the preparation and review of the Community Plan and corporate strategies of the Council, working with the other Cabinet members
chairs Cabinet meetings
undertakes any Cabinet functions not delegated to other Cabinet members

This post is currently held by Councillor Stephen Robinson.

Finance

The Leader is also responsible for financial functions, including:

management of our finances (the Director of Financial Services as the designated officer under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972)
the presentation of an annual budget to the Cabinet and Council and making recommendations on the budget process
the parameters for deciding the level of fees and charges
the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts
the write-off of debts
the internal audit function (although the Head of Internal Audit has statutory duties to the Audit Committee)

The Cabinet member for Connected Chelmsford has oversight of four areas of council business. The current post-holder is also Deputy Leader of the Council. This post is currently held by Councillor Marie Goldman.

Central services

This includes:

our workforce and our duties as an employer
the development of customer care objectives and the delivery of associated initiatives
our legal, business and democratic services functions, including the Mayoralty and supporting our committees
the registration of voters and the conduct of all elections

Communications and engagement

This includes corporate communications, consultation, public relations and information services in connection with all our activities.

Digital services

This relates to the strategic development of information technology and its use to enhance the delivery of our services and strategies.

Museums and culture

This includes:

the provision of entertainment and cultural activities and facilities, including theatres, galleries and special events
community and village halls
the development and management of arts, cultural and entertainment facilities and services and the award of grants in appropriate cases
Museum services

Procurement

procurement of goods and services we require

Revenues and Benefits

collection of Council Tax
administration of Housing Benefit
consultation with representatives of non-domestic ratepayers

The Cabinet Member for Active Chelmsford is responsible for two areas of council business. This post is currently held by Councillor Natacha Dudley.

Leisure and Heritage

This relates to the provision of sporting and leisure facilities, including at:

Riverside Leisure Centre
Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre
Dovedale Sports Centre
South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre
Hylands House

Community Engagement

This includes:

grant funding for local voluntary and community groups
community engagement and voluntary sector development

The Cabinet Member for Fairer Chelmsford is responsible for two areas of council business. This post is currently held by Councillor Lynne Foster.

Strategic housing

This includes:

policy and strategy for affordable and social-rented housing
meeting the housing needs of the statutorily homeless
working with partners to support and ultimately end rough sleeping on the streets
the provision of housing and connected advice to the local community, in particular to avoid homelessness
promoting partnerships with Registered Social Landlords, voluntary and community groups and other agencies to secure and effectively manage affordable housing in the city
managing residential and related property we retain, whether tenanted or leased to partner organisations
monitoring the Stock Transfer Agreement

Our land and property

This includes:

managing land and property (public buildings and commercial/industrial landholdings) we own
identifying strategic opportunities in relation to the acquisition, disposal and use of land and property

The Cabinet Member for Greener and Safer Chelmsford has oversight of four areas of council business. This post is currently held by Councillor Rose Moore.

Technical services

This includes:

municipal engineering
architectural design
facilities management
building maintenance
residual highways matters

Community and safety

This includes:

the development and management of play facilities and oversight of issues affecting the young people of the city
the safety of the community and accident prevention, including emergency planning
the aims of the Community Safety Strategy, in partnership with others
environmental health

Parks

This includes:

parks strategy and development
open spaces, ground maintenance, horticulture and allotments
biodiversity
country ways services
all matters relating to the cemeteries and crematorium

Waste management and recycling

This includes:

strategies on waste collection and recycling
overseeing the functions of waste collection and recycling, street cleansing and minor works to the highway
the operation of Chelmsford market

The Cabinet member for Growing Chelmsford has oversight of three areas of council business. This post is currently held by Councillor Ian Fuller.

Planning

This includes:

town and country planning, development management, planning enforcement, land charges and tree preservation orders
policy relating to the physical development of the City, such as the designation of conservation areas, the removal of permitted development rights, the making of compulsory purchase orders and the designation of clearance areas
preparing and implementing important documents, including the local plan, masterplans and supplementary planning guidance
emerging transportation policy
all building regulations and associated matters

Economic development

This includes:

managing our relationship with the Business Improvement District and broader city centre management
providing advice and skills initiatives to new and existing local businesses to encourage economic growth
promoting local economic development and tourism
listed buildings and heritage advice, public realm, community infrastructure levy projects and delivery

Car parking

This includes:

overseeing the operation of our car parks and management of the two park and ride sites
representing us on the South Essex Parking Partnership
overseeing all matters relating to parking enforcement, new parking schemes including resident parking schemes and the required traffic regulation orders