THE leader of the council has named the new cabinet and hopes they will focus on key priorities in the coming year.

The new cabinet that will take decisions at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been announced by Leader Cllr Simon Bound.

At the Council meeting last week (Thursday), Cllr Bound announced his cabinet, following the elections on Thursday, May 5 where a number of former cabinet members did not stand for re-election.

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Cllr John Izett continues as deputy leader, as well as cabinet member for finance and property.

A new councillor is joining the cabinet team, with Cllr Samuel Carr taking the role of cabinet member for homes and regeneration.

Cllr Bound announced that experienced councillors would be staying in cabinet roles but with changes to their portfolio responsibilities:

• Cabinet member for resident services – Cllr Rebecca Bean

• Cabinet member for environment and climate action – Cllr Hayley Eachus

• Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure – Cllr Jay Ganesh

• Cabinet member for partnerships – Cllr Jenny Vaux

Cllr Bound said: “At a time when people are struggling with rising bills, we have a strong and diverse Cabinet committed to the borough being a place where everyone feels included and thrives.

“We have reorganised our portfolio areas around our key council priorities, delivering great value services for one of the lowest council taxes of districts in the country and supporting those who need it. The focus in all our work is on achieving our carbon net zero targets and taking action on the ecological emergency."

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“In planning for the future, we want to ensure that we protect our environment while balancing the need for good jobs and somewhere great to live. We will work to attract the best employers and facilities to benefit our residents, including securing investment in a new hospital. After hearing what is most important to people, we must now drive forward on breathing new life into Basingstoke town centre and the leisure park to make them more sustainable for the future.”

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