Equality and support for local communities are to get greater focus among Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet team when a new cabinet member starts on 7 March.
Councillor Bobby Bennett will join Suffolk County Council’s cabinet as cabinet member for equality and communities, where she will take specific responsibility for the authority’s policy decisions on safer and stronger communities, community safety (including domestic abuse, prevent and violence against women and girls), equality, libraries, the voluntary sector, arts and heritage, coroner services, customer services, Citizens Advice, gypsy and traveller services and human resources.
Responding to her appointment, Councillor Bennett said:
“COVID-19 has impacted on everyone, but it’s clear that this has been the case for some communities more than others. Now is a critical time to focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Suffolk residents - redressing the inequalities that have been exacerbated in the last two years.
“We know that the pandemic has shown just how inspirational and impactful local people, voluntary groups and community organisations can be at supporting one another in times of need. My ambition is for the county council to support and work even closer with our communities - so that we can harness that energy and influence.
"I’m thrilled to be appointed into this role.”
At the same time, Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton will become deputy cabinet member for transformation – supporting Councillor Richard Rout and helping to oversee the council’s major service improvement and development programmes. He also starts his new role on Monday 7 March.
Councillor Faircloth-Mutton said:
“Suffolk County Council has been transforming services and the way it works for many years – making significant budget savings and, by doing so, improving value for money for residents. But that work never stops in local government.
“Working with my colleagues, I’m focused on ensuring our next phase of transformation programmes fully deliver the benefits we are seeking, including looking after our health and wellbeing, strengthening our local economy, protecting and enhancing our environment and, at all times, providing value for money for residents.
“This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working with councillors, staff and partners to make a success of it.”
Both appointments were made by the leader of Suffolk County Council, Councillor Matthew Hicks, in line with the council’s constitution.
Councillor Hicks said:
“My way of working has always been inclusive – utilising the strengths and ideas of a wide range of people to deliver the best possible results. I am therefore delighted to welcome Councillors Bennett and Faircloth-Mutton into their new roles and look forward to working with them, my group and others to deliver our policy objectives in the coming years.”
The changes mean Councillor Andrew Reid’s previously very large portfolio will effectively be divided - with him becoming cabinet member for public health and public protection. He will be responsible for public health, trading standards, emergency planning, Suffolk Fire and Rescue, health and safety and rural affairs.
