Leader and Cabinet for Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet for the new municipal year was agreed at the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 14 May.

• Leader - Strategic Leadership and Climate Change Portfolio - Cllr Susan Juned
• Deputy Leader and Planning and Economic Development Portfolio - Cllr George Cowcher
• Law and Governance Portfolio - Cllr Natalie Gist
• Environment and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio - Cllr Lorraine Grocott
• Resources Portfolio - Cllr David Curtis
• Housing and Customer Services - Cllr Liz Coles
• Projects and Communications - Cllr Louis Adam

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "It's been two years since our administration was first installed, and we continue to make strides in delivering on our Council Plan. We remain committed to supporting local residents, collaborating with communities, and addressing both everyday challenges and larger issues. While there are still many challenges ahead, it's crucial that we listen to and respond to the priorities of our residents across the District.

"Over the past year, we've expanded recycling initiatives, including the introduction of coffee pod and soft plastics recycling, which has helped us achieve the third-highest recycling rate in England at 61%. We've also developed a project plan for new community facilities in Upper Lighthorne and introduced a dedicated Rural Crime Officer. Additionally, we've adopted a number of masterplans, and the South Warwickshire Local Plan, which we are developing in partnership with Warwick District Council, continues to progress.

"Balancing the books in local government remains a significant challenge, but we are proud of our financially sound position. This achievement is especially notable given rising costs, increased demand for services, and shrinking central funding. Our budget this year reflects the need to tackle pressing issues such as the cost of living, affordable housing, community grants, improved leisure facilities, economic development, and climate change action.

"The uncertainty surrounding local government re-organisation poses a challenge, but we are committed to ensuring that residents continue to receive high-quality services in the coming years. Resilience to financial cuts and challenges is key. Our ambition is for this District Council to be recognised as a leader in supporting residents, local businesses, protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and driving sustainable innovation in services for the future."

Chairman - Cllr Kate Rolfe (Stratford Tiddington)
Vice- Chairman - Cllr Mike Rice (Henley-in-Arden)

Portfolio details  - 0059 Cabinet Structure 14MAY25

Leader - Strategic Leadership - Cllr Susan Juned (Alcester East Ward)
Climate Change
Corporate Policy
Human Resources
Partnerships
Performance, Consultation and Insight

Deputy Leader and Planning and Economic Development- Cllr George Cowcher (Wellesbourne South Ward)
Building Control, including Street Naming
CIL/S106
Development Management and Enforcement
Economic Development and Tourism
Land Charges
Physical Infrastructure (Transport, Energy, etc)
Planning Policy
South Warwickshire Local Plan
Strategic Housing

Law and Governance - Cllr Natalie Gist (Bishops Itchington, Fenny Compton and Napton Ward)
Asset Management
Community Safety and CCTV
Corporate Governance
Democratic Services
Information Governance
Joint Legal Service
Property and Estates

Environmental and Neighbourhood Services - Cllr Lorraine Grocott (Avenue Ward)
Construction and Premises
Contracted Services (Refuse and Recycling, Street Cleansing, Grounds Maintenance)
Emergency Planning and Business Continuity
Environmental Health and Licensing
Green Spaces - Development
Markets and Events
Parking Services
Personal Assistant Team
Sports and Leisure

Resources - Cllr David Curtis (Shottery Ward)
Audit and Risk
Budget and Finance
ICT
Internal Audit

Housing and Customer Services - Cllr Liz Coles (Hathaway Ward)
Community Leadership, Forums, Voluntary Community Services
Customer Services (including Visitor Information Centre)
Health and Wellbeing
Housing and Homelessness
Print and Design Team
Revenues and Benefits
Safeguarding

Projects and Communications - Cllr Louis Adam (Southam North and Long Itchington)
Corporate Communications and Public Relations
Project and Transformation Team