THE roles of the most senior county councillors in Denbighshire have been reviewed to include “emerging issues” such as housing and carbon emissions, as the council looks to move forward with its plans.

Denbighshire County Council revised the titles and portfolios of its cabinet members to bring them into line with its plans for the next decade. This includes building up to 4,000 homes and reducing its carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2022.

The cabinet, made up of eight members, meets every six weeks to make executive decisions about policies and services in Denbighshire. Each member has a list of issues that they are responsible for and it is these that have been updated by Hugh Evans, leader of the council and chair of the cabinet.

The changes include Tony Thomas, cabinet member for housing and communities, who has been appointed responsibility for the council’s library strategy, a three-year plan which aims to promote and improve library services across Denbighshire; rural development, which focuses on sustainable rural economic development and employment; oversight of city, town and community councils; and community funding.

Brian Jones, cabinet member for waste, transport and the environment, has been given responsibility for environmental impact, including carbon initiatives; and energy efficiency and conservation.

Huw Hilditch-Roberts, cabinet member for education, children and young people, is now also responsible for public engagement; reputational management; and communication and marketing.

Mark Young, cabinet member for corporate standards, has been appointed to planning, having already led the Local Development Plan that could see 4,000 homes built by 2033; as well as public protection, including safer communities, and enforcement.

Meanwhile Richard Mainon, cabinet member for corporate services and strategic direction, is appointed to equalities, including fair treatment of users of council services; oversight of the council’s human resources; policy development; legal and democratic services; and council member training.

Huw Evans, who is also the cabinet member for economy and corporate governance; Julian Thompson-Hill, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, performance and strategic assets; and Bobby Feeley, cabinet member for well-being and independence were not required to take on any new responsibilities.

Cllr Evans said: “There are a number of emerging issues for councils across Wales over the coming years that have influenced the changes, including how we manage energy, housing and the digital agenda.

“Key to all of this is to provide Denbighshire residents with the best possible services.”