A NEW streamlined committee system is being introduced by South Norfolk Council in a move to reduce the number of meetings and cut costs. The initiative, which was approved at Monday's annual council meeting, will see some groups abolished and their responsibilities transferred.

A NEW streamlined committee system is being introduced by South Norfolk Council in a move to reduce the number of meetings and cut costs.

The initiative, which was approved at Monday's annual council meeting, will see some groups abolished and their responsibilities transferred. Some committees will also have their membership reduced - enabling savings on the number of agendas printed and councillors' travelling costs.

The most significant change is to have only two area planning committees in future, instead of three, and to hold the meetings at the council's offices in Long Stratton. Under the previous arrangement, venues at Loddon, Wymondham and Costessey were used, in addition to Long Stratton.

Liberal Democrat councillor Murray Gray said his party members supported 90 per cent of the proposals, but had reservations about this aspect.

“I don't think we are yet in a position where we need to get away from the principle of local planning decisions being made locally by local councillors,” he said.

The proposals were approved by 34-0, with the six Liberal Democrat councillors all abstaining.

Council leader John Fuller said after the meeting: “Cutting the number of committees doesn't mean that councillors will do less work; the whole thing is it will be more effective. We did reduce our allowances in March, which makes a change when you hear what's going on nationally!”