Number of Dudley councillors could be cut by a third
The number of councillors in Dudley could be cut by one third under proposals aimed at cutting at least £300,000.
In total, 72 councillors have seats on the local authority, with three members serving each ward across the borough.
But proposals unveiled by the opposition Conservative group are aimed at slashing the number to 48 under the scheme.
Dudley Council leader Councillor David Sparks today confirmed he had instructed council officers to look into the measure to see if it is workable.
Conservative group leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the reduction in the number of councillors would lead to 'greater transparency, greater democracy and ensure taxpayers are getting a good deal'.
He said more of the borough's 300,000 residents now communicate with councillors using emails, mobile phones and social media, which helps councillors get through the workload quicker.
Councillor Harley believes that extra money would be saved as the authority could look at reducing the number of elections held.
Today he called on the Labour-controlled council to investigate the issue urgently and report back on the proposals to all members.
"I think that this fits the cap and if we work together then we could do this quickly and not spend 10 years talking about it," Councillor Harley said.
"Proposals had already been considered by the Government to reduce the number of MPs until the Liberal Democrats stepped in but I believe it is something we need to seriously consider." Councillor Sparks said: "I have instructed officers to check this out and consider if it is possible."
He added: "The problem with altering the status of the council is that Dudley is a metropolitan authority and we cannot alter one authority in the Black Country in isolation.
"I'm on record as being favour of having a Black Country council but I realise that the other leaders are not in favour. Maybe this can be discussed."
The announcement that Dudley Council will look at councillor numbers comes after neighbouring Wyre Forest District Council made similar proposals to cut back numbers in a bid to save around £60,000.
