Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, has announced the members of his new Cabinet and their areas of responsibility.
At the meeting of Full Council (24 May 2022), councillors heard the Cabinet will comprise the Elected Mayor and five councillors. The Mayor also paid tribute to Councillor Stephen Johnson who, after eight years as a Cabinet member, has decided to step down but will remain an active ward councillor for Tudor ward and its residents, who he has served since 2014. During his time on Cabinet, Councillor Johnson had responsibility for Housing, Planning and Property.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said “I am so grateful to Steve for all the work he has done as Portfolio Holder for Property, Planning and Housing Services. Steve has played a huge role in reducing homelessness and rough sleeping in Watford, leading to many nights with zero verified rough sleepers in our town. He has also done a lot of work to reduce the number of local families in temporary accommodation and made sure that those who are have better accommodation.
“I know that Steve will continue to work hard for local residents and will provide great insight and knowledge to the Council and residents through his years of experience. I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of everyone at the Council for all he has done during his time as a Cabinet Member.
“I know that planning was a contentious issue in the recent elections. I am determined to make sure we have a new Local Plan in place this year. There are many problems with the current system but this will mean that we have a bit more power to oppose taller developments, especially ones that aren’t in key locations such as transport hubs and the town centre. I will continue to fight the unfair housing target the government has set for us which must be cut.”
Stephen Johnson, councillor for Tudor ward, said “I am proud to have played my part in reducing rough sleeping in Watford and providing better accommodation for people in temporary accommodation. Having served as a councillor for many years, and as a cabinet member for 8 years, I have decided that now is the right time for a change. I will continue to represent the residents of Tudor ward and be an active member of the Liberal Democrat group on the council.”
The Elected Mayor will take on responsibility for Planning, seeing through the approval of Watford’s Local Plan, Councillor Jennifer Pattison will add Housing to her portfolio and Councillor Mark Watkin, Property.
The details of the new Cabinet are:
- The Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor
Portfolio Holder responsibilities: Strategic Partnerships and Planning – Council Plan, Economy, Regeneration, Culture, External Relationships, Communications, Marketing and Events, Strategic Projects, Town Centre and Planning - Deputy Mayor, Councillor Aga Dychton
Portfolio Holder for Community, with responsibilities: Environmental Health (excluding Enviro-Crime), Community Safety and Safeguarding, Licensing (excluding Taxi / Private Hire), Community Cohesion, Museum and Heritage, VCS Commissioning Framework, Big Events Programme - Councillor Jenny Pattinson
Portfolio Holder for Housing and Wellbeing, with responsibilities: Mental Health, Dementia, Sports Development, Housing and homelessness - Councillor Ian Stotesbury
Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, with responsibilities: Climate Emergency, Biodiversity Emergency, Parking and Traffic Orders, Sustainable Transport, Public Realm Improvements, Licensing of Taxi and Private Hire - Councillor Mark Watkin
Portfolio Holder for Property, Resources and Customer Service, with responsibilities: Property, Customer Services, Digital Services including website, GIS, Print and Post, IT, Legal, Business Intelligence, Democratic Services, Revenues and Benefits, Audit, Procurement, Finance, Community Asset Management, Operational Assets and Facilities Management, Human Resources and Organisational Development - Councillor Tim Williams
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Service, with responsibility for: Waste and Recycling, Streets and Parks, Leisure, Enviro-Crime, Contract Management of: Waste, Streets and Parks (Veolia); Leisure Services and Facilities (SLM); Watford Market (MAM); Town Centre Wi-Fi (Intechnology Wi-Fi)
