It is more than six months since Swidon brought in the cabinet system to decide on local issues. Jamie Hill asks how it is working.

For some it is a simpler form of local government described as clearer and more streamlined than the old system.

But for others it is a nightmare of communication problems and confusion, described as an undemocratic system, which does not cater for the people of the town.

Swindon's cabinet system is now more than six months old. It was introduced after the May election and came about because of a Government plan to shake up local authorities.

The cabinet is only in place in Swindon on a trial basis until it becomes law next April. And now the Conservative party is calling for it to be reviewed.

At the moment the Labour-run cabinet does not make any decisions as final decisions rest with the ratification committee or the full council. But from April it is possible that the cabinet will be able to make the decisions itself.

Tory leader Mike Bawden (Old Town and Lawns) said: "I think the new system is far less democratic than the old committee structure. It puts more power into a reduced number of people's hands. This has been made more obvious with the fact that there is no controlling group on the council.

"It's true to say that the average councillor is far less aware of what's going on than he or she would have been before, when it was the old committee structure."

Issues raised so far in cabinet meetings include plans for a new stadium on the Front Garden, and the Mechanics' Institute.

Most recently the cabinet has discussed the results of a Swindon Central Area Study, which could see a new library, trams, and a revamped town centre.

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Wendy Johnson (Old Town and Lawns) said: "I think it's too early to say how the cabinet system is doing.

"In any new system you have got to have time to assess things and I don't think six months is long enough. "Clearly there are some advantages to the new system and there are some aspects that could be better."

Council leader Sue Bates (Lab, Pinehurst and Gorse Hill) said: ""The new system was designed to get councillors away from the excessive meetings culture of town halls, and into spending time with constituents and other stakeholders. I have been disappointed with the Tory opposition and their constant bickering about the new system.

"Overall the new cabinet system is working well. It allows our members to consider things corporately as a whole, keeping them better informed of what all areas of the council are doing."