Reform has put forward a fresh appointment to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s cabinet.
Councillor Pete Gilbert has been named as the cabinet member responsible exclusively for financial matters.
Although he was only recently voted onto the council through the Camp Hill by-election, Councillor Gilbert brings previous Town Hall experience from his time as a Conservative, during which he briefly served as council leader.
He also previously served as a county councillor. Councillor George Finch, who leads Reform at the Town Hall, shared with CoventryLive the reasoning behind this fresh appointment.
Councillor Finch emphasised that this addition will not impose any extra burden on taxpayers, as Councillor Gilbert has indicated he will decline the allowances typically provided to cabinet members.
Councillor George Finch, council leader, alongside Councillor Pete Gilbert, who has been appointed the new cabinet member for finance
Councillor Finch explained that Councillor Gilbert is waiving his allowance because he believes that as finance cabinet member, he ought to demonstrate leadership through his actions, particularly given the challenging choices ahead concerning local government restructuring and the uncertainty it presents.
He stated that Councillor Gilbert considers it important to lead by example in his financial role and therefore will not take his allowance.
Financial responsibilities previously fell under Deputy Council Leader Councillor Mike Bannister’s remit, and while he continues to handle resources and internal matters, Councillor Finch noted the necessity of having someone dedicated solely to financial oversight.
The group has been transparent about its intention to scrutinise all financial decisions made before they assumed minority administration control.
They commissioned research that uncovered, for the first time in several years, the cumulative expenditure on regeneration schemes across Nuneaton and Bedworth – totalling a substantial £95 million.
Councillor Finch indicated that further investigation remains a priority and this will form part of Councillor Gilbert’s responsibilities.
Councillor Finch stated that the council has been operating in a financially precarious state, which has resulted in a breakdown of confidence within the authority, and that their goal is to rebuild that trust.
The group plans to examine contracts and leasing arrangements entered into over the past decade and longer. The impact of decisions made under former leader Dennis Harvey continues to affect the organisation.
Significant financial matters require thorough review. Council tax represents a major consideration.
The approach involves identifying savings opportunities alongside attracting investment. Appointing someone of Councillor Gilbert’s standing to strengthen the cabinet aligns with this strategy.
When questioned about why the finance cabinet position had not been announced when Reform took minority control, Councillor Finch responded that they envisioned a cabinet that operates in alignment with public expectations – compact, effective, and purposeful.
Given the approaching local government reorganisation and the substantial financial decisions imminent over the coming months, the change became necessary to ensure proper emphasis on maintaining financial credibility and stability for the northern area.
Concerns about the northern area’s future
CoventryLive reported that government proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) include establishing two new authorities – Warwickshire North and Warwickshire South – to manage council services across the respective regions.
All current councils will be dissolved, resulting in a single authority for northern Warwickshire encompassing Nuneaton, Bedworth, North Warwickshire, and Rugby. A separate authority will serve southern Warwickshire, covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick.
Councillor Finch expressed concern about what lies ahead for the northern area and stressed the need for heightened focus on financial matters, particularly funding arrangements for the new northern council.
A careful approach to finances is essential.
Councillor Finch observed that since the county is being divided into two authorities, having reviewed the financial position, concerns exist about the future wellbeing of the north and its residents due to measures imposed by the Labour government.
Households are already experiencing severe strain, the cost of living continues to rise, and expenses are escalating rapidly. This underscores why greater priority must be given to financial management in light of the local government reorganisation decision.
The refreshed cabinet will convene for the first time next month.
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