CHILDREN’S services in Solihull has a new head following a cabinet reshuffle.
Councillor Ian Courts, the leader of Solihull Council, announced Coun Michael Gough (Cons, Silhill) will take over the role from Coun Richard Holt.
Coun Courts said: “Coun Holt has a number of significant work pressures and he felt that as Children’s Services was a top priority we needed to make sure there was the capacity to support our improvement journey.
“Coun Gough has served as chairman of Children’s Services scrutiny board so is well placed to take this on.
“Coun Holt is still keen to help and will be able to do so in his new capacity on the scrutiny board.
“I am grateful for his highly professional approach to his work over the last year and welcome his continued involvement in the future.”
Coun Diane Howell (Cons, Meriden) will head up Communities and Leisure and Coun Tony Dicicco (Cons, Meriden) will now oversee Adult Social Care. The remainder of the cabinet remains unchanged with Coun Karen Grinsell as deputy leader and cabinet member for Partnerships and Wellbeing, Coun Ken Hawkins for Environment Services and Infrastructure, Coun Andy Mackiewicz heading up Climate Change and Coun Bob Sleigh overseeing Resources.
Coun Courts added: “There has been some change overall of responsibilities between portfolios which I hope will help my Cabinet colleagues better focus their efforts.
“I believe we are really lucky in this borough to have a strong and very talented team at the helm who will be able to take on the challenges ahead.”
