Flintshire Councillor proposes slashing cabinet roles to save £38k per year

Flintshire councillors are set to debate a motion calling for a reduction in the number of cabinet members amid concerns over council spending and rising council tax bills.

Councillor Alasdair Ibbotson (Penyffordd) has submitted a motion proposing that the size of the cabinet be cut from ten to seven members.

The motion notes that, prior to May 2023, Flintshire County Council had eight cabinet members, but this has since increased to ten—resulting in an annual cost of £38,266 in additional allowances.

It argues that there has been no significant increase in the responsibilities of the cabinet that would justify the additional roles and describes the extra expenditure as “utterly indefensible” at a time when the council is facing financial pressures.

Councillors previously stated that the authority is struggling to balance its budget, with warnings that a Section 114 notice—effectively declaring the council bankrupt—could be issued if savings are not made. Council tax bills are also set to rise, adding further pressure on residents.

The motion calls for an amendment to the council’s constitution to formally reduce the maximum number of cabinet members to seven.

The debate comes as local authorities across Wales face increasing financial strain, with some councils considering service cuts to manage budget shortfalls.

Residents in Flintshire could see a 9.5% increase in council tax from April, as councillors prepare to vote on the 2025/26 budget.

The rise would add £157.53 per year to a Band D household’s bill, bringing the total to £1,815.78. The council says the increase is needed to help close a £23.1m budget shortfall, driven by rising costs in social care, education, and homelessness support.

If passed, the proposal would see Flintshire join other councils that have sought to limit spending by reducing the size of their leadership teams.

The motion will be discussed at an upcoming full council meeting on Monday, 24 February.