Powys council introduces new 10-member cabinet system

Powys council has switched to a cabinet system under new rules being introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The council has moved away from a board of 15 councillors to a cabinet of 10 members following public consultation.

The assembly government is introducing the new rules, including the removal of the board system, from April 2012.

The council will be led by the Powys Independent Alliance and the Welsh Liberal Democrat groups.

The authority's leaders were criticised last month when it emerged that the annual allowance for cabinet members would rise by nearly 50% under the new system.

The money spent on 15 councillors from the old board will be distributed among the 10 in the cabinet, and the leader's allowance will rise by £7,800 to £24,092.

The council's head of finance has said the rise reflects an increase in councillors' workloads.

The assembly government's new rules will leave just two options for Wales' 22 unitary authorities: a leader and cabinet executive, or an elected mayor and cabinet executive.