Councillors have approved plans for Hartlepool Borough Council to move to a new Leader and Cabinet governance model from 10 December 2026.
Following a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 15 October, councillors have agreed an implementation plan for a new Leader and Cabinet model of governance at Hartlepool Borough Council.
The new arrangements will come into effect on Thursday 10 December 2026, replacing the current committee system and bringing the Council in line with the Government's specified model of governance for local authorities.
The Government announced in June 2025 plans to abolish committee systems and requiring councils currently operating this model to transition to the Leader and Cabinet Model. The Leader and Cabinet model is used by the majority of councils across England and is designed to provide clear leadership, streamlined decision-making and greater accountability. Under the new arrangements, the Leader of the Council will appoint a Cabinet of councillors who will be responsible for key service areas and executive decisions.
Full Council will continue to set the authority's budget and policy framework, while new overview and scrutiny arrangements will ensure decisions are subject to appropriate challenge and review.
The Council is being supported throughout the transition by specialists from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS), who are working with councillors and officers to help ensure that best practice from councils across the country is reflected in the new arrangements.
A number of cross-party working groups have also been established to support the implementation of the new governance model. The groups bring together councillors from across the political spectrum alongside council officers to help shape the new arrangements and ensure they are tailored to meet the needs of Hartlepool.
Councillor Dave Bruce, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "This decision marks an important milestone for the Council and the borough. The Leader and Cabinet model will provide clearer accountability and more transparent decision-making, ensuring residents can more easily understand who is responsible for the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
"While the governance structure will change, our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality services, supporting our residents and creating a better future for Hartlepool.
"We are determined to get this right from the outset. That's why we are working alongside governance specialists from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny and involving councillors from all political groups in the development of the new arrangements.
"By learning from the experiences of other councils and drawing on best practice from across local government, we can ensure the new Leader and Cabinet model delivers effective decision-making, strong accountability and the best possible outcomes for residents.
"We will now work to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the new arrangements coming into effect on 10 December."
Further details on the new governance arrangements, including Cabinet portfolios and areas of responsibility, will be published ahead of implementation.