Cllr Mike Steptoe appointed new Leader of Rochford District Council

(30/5/19)

Cllr Mike Steptoe has been appointed the new Leader of Rochford District Council, with an aspiration for the authority to be “proactive” in pursuing opportunities on behalf of its residents.

Cllr Steptoe, who was formerly Deputy Leader of the Council, lives in Little Wakering, Barling Magna.

“I am intensely proud to live and work in the Rochford district, “ he said, “and I am honoured to be appointed as Leader of a Council with such great aspirations in terms of economic development, regeneration and supporting our local communities.

“Going forward, I want us to be proactive in the way we pursue opportunities which will benefit our residents. I hope local families will be particularly excited by our new programme which will see up to £1million of investment in our play spaces, through Council funds and match-funding, as this will benefit our children and grandchildren for generations to come.”

A programme of works for the Play Space Improvement Programme is expected to be brought to the Executive for approval on June 5.

Rochford District Council will also be pursuing a transformational programme which anticipates a reduction in future costs of £300,000 a year, through the rationalisation and redevelopment of six of its strategic sites.

“This authority has a great track record of being prudent with its funds, and we aim to continue in this vein,” said Councillor Steptoe, “Therefore, it makes sound financial sense to review our assets to ensure they are being put to best use, particularly as assets owned by the public sector are ultimately owned by the tax payer.

“We need to be making the most of these assets and exploring their potential, seeking opportunities for regeneration and economic growth to the benefit of the district as a whole.”

Cllr Steptoe takes over from Cllr Cutmore, who served as Leader for Rochford District Council for 15 years and has now been appointed as Vice Chairman of the authority. Cllr Cheryl Roe has been appointed to the position of Deputy Leader.

Cllr Steptoe said: “I would like to congratulate Terry on becoming Vice-Chairman. When I was first elected to the Council he gave me the benefit of his experience and encouragement. He will be a hard act to follow and I hope that I will be able to call on his guidance from time to time.

“ I now look forward to working with all Members, officers and partners in order to provide the best possible service to our residents.”

Cllr Cutmore said: “I have been a Member here for 20 years, spending the last 15 years as Leader, so I think it’s about time I had a bit of a change.  I have great confidence in the Leader and Deputy Leader, and I look forward to my new role as Vice Chairman going forward.”

The full Executive is show below:

EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS – 2019/20 

PORTFOLIOS  

Deputy Leader  Cllr Mrs C E Roe  

Community  Cllr M J Webb  

Enterprise  Cllr G J Ioannou  

Environment  Cllr A L Williams  

Finance  Cllr S P Smith  

IT and Communications  Cllr D S Efde  

Planning  Cllr I H Ward