THE former leader of St Helens Council has expressed his disappointment at a vacancy left by The Independents on the planning committee.

When the new-look planning committee met on Tuesday there was no representation from The Independents, although the group has confirmed that former Labour councillor Pam Howard will be joining the committee.

In accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, it is the duty of the council to review the representation of different political groups on its committees.

READ > Plans to replace 'oppressive' house extension built without permission approved

This is confirmed every year at its annual council meeting, which usually occurs in May, although this year’s was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so subsequently took place last week.

At the meeting, councillors unanimously approved the allocation of seats on the council’s committees, the appointments to the committees, in line with the wishes of the groups.

Councillors also approved the new chairs of various committees, including the planning committee.

A total of 15 councillors make up the planning committee, made up of 11 from the ruling Labour group and one member from each opposition party.

This year, only 14 names were approved by at the annual council meeting.

Council papers shows there was a vacancy for seat allocated to The Independents, which is made up of Rainhill councillors James Tasker and Donna Greaves, and Earelestown councillor Pam Howard.

This vacancy was addressed by the new planning chair, Cllr Derek Long, when the planning committee met on Tuesday.

St Helens Star: Cllr Derek Long, former leader of St Helens Borough Council and new chairman of the planning committee Cllr Derek Long, former leader of St Helens Borough Council and new chairman of the planning committee

Cllr Long said: “There is a vacancy on this committee generated by The Independents councillors not nominating to this committee.

“I understand this is a long-standing situation and I think it is a disappointing situation because it is important that councillors participate in all of their responsibilities across the borough.

“And it just means we are losing a part of the represented function which is why people were elected to this council.

“So I hope that vacancy will be filled quickly.”

Following the meeting, Cllr Tasker, leader of The Independents, said his group did not have the seat allocated in time before annual council.

However, he said Cllr Howard has been selected to join the committee and will attend the next meeting.

READ > Fury as St Helens Council get 'no warning' over leaked lockdown plans

This was confirmed by St Helens Borough Council, which said that Cllr Tasker added Cllr Howard to the committee on Wednesday.

Previously, former Labour councillor Gill Neal represented The Independents on the planning committee.

The former Windle councillor was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and subsequently stepped down from the council in August.