Newark Advertiser poll asks if the expansion of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s ruling cabinet is an appropriate use of taxpayer money

A council recently increased the number of paid positions it has, leading to some criticism from opposition councillors.

Following the local elections — which saw Labour and independents take control of Newark and Sherwood District Council — the number of cabinet positions has been increased from five to eight.

Council leader, Paul Peacock, said that the change was made in an attempt to diversify the council and add more specialist portfolio holders to target specific issues.

For example the previous position of cleaner, safer, greener has been replaced with three new roles for; climate change, natural environment and conservation, and for public protection and community relations.

Meanwhile, Conservative councillors were cynical and accused their peers of wanting to “line their pockets” with tax payers’ money.

But what do you think, is expanding the council's ruling cabinet an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

Will adding more portfolio positions help the council to do more for the people of Newark and Sherwood and be beneficial in the long run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The results of the poll will be published in next week’s Advertiser.