The newly elected Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords, has confirmed the different responsibilities for each of his five cabinet members.
As Leader of the Council, Councillor Swords will provide strategic and political leadership for the council, driving forward the administration’s priorities across all portfolio areas. The Leader of the Council will also oversee regeneration project delivery. These projects include town centre, Princess Alexandra Hospital, UK Health Security Agency, Harlow Regeneration Partnership, council housebuilding programme and estate and neighbourhood renewal schemes.
His cabinet members and their responsibilities are:
Councillor David Carter
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing
The Deputy Leader of the Council deputises for the Leader of the Council and supports and assists the leader in providing effective political leadership and strategic direction for the Council. The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing will drive continuous improvement to the council’s housing services and provisions with particular focus on improving asset management, repairs and maintenance, major works programmes and tenant and leaseholder engagement. A comprehensive programme to clear the backlog of housing repairs and furthermore transform the structural and aesthetic state of the council’s housing property portfolio will be at the foremost of this portfolio.
Councillor Nicky Purse
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment
This role will drive continuous improvement to the council’s grounds maintenance (grass cutting and hedges), street cleansing, environmental health, and licensing services. A clear focus on restoring pride in Harlow in respect of street scene is at the foremost of this portfolio. Embedding sustainability, exploiting the opportunities of the green industrial revolution and the drive towards net zero, and the enhancement of biodiversity, to further improve Harlow’s green beauty, will run throughout the work of this portfolio.
Councillor James Leppard
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance
The role is responsible for making the council more efficient and effective, and ensuring that priorities are delivered as quickly as possible with maximum value for money to the taxpayer. That means reforming council processes and systems to modernise and enhance the way the council carries out its work and delivers services for the benefit of residents and the town.
Councillor Stacy Seales
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community
This role will enhance Harlow’s community spirit, in partnership with community groups, faith groups, charities and residents. The council will improve its discretionary service offerings and maximise the events and services offered from its discretionary service assets. Discretionary services include Harlow Playhouse, Pets’ Corner, Harlow Museum, paddling pools, and splash parks. Tackling anti-social behaviour and making Harlow a better place to live, work and raise a family will be at the forefront of this portfolio.
Councillor Michael Hardware
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Development
This role will lead the drive to grow Harlow’s economy with inward investment, better infrastructure and flourishing local businesses. Harlow will sit at the heart of the UK Innovation Corridor and drive the Harlow Gilston Garden Town project for the benefit of Harlow and its people. Relationships with strategic partners will be strengthened to join-up Harlow’s fantastic story and secure maximum investment and benefit from the opportunities that lie ahead. This portfolio takes on responsibility for planning, development management and planning control and will also work closely with the Leader of the Council on regeneration project delivery.
