Before paragraph 4 insert—

“3AAssistants to the executive

(1)

Executive arrangements by a local authority may make provision for councillors of the authority to be appointed to assist the executive in discharging functions which are the responsibility of the executive.

(2)

Such a councillor is referred to in this Schedule as an assistant to the executive of the authority.

(3)

Assistants to the executive of an authority are to be appointed—

(a)

in the case of an authority operating a mayor and cabinet executive, by the elected mayor;

(b)

in the case of an authority operating a leader and cabinet executive (Wales), by the executive leader or the authority.

(4)

Executive arrangements which make provision for the appointment of assistants to an executive may include provision about—

(a)

the number of assistants that may be appointed,

(b)

their term of office, and

(c)

their responsibilities.

(5)

The assistants to the executive of a local authority may not include—

(a)

the chairman and vice-chairman of the authority;

(b)

the presiding member and deputy presiding member of the authority (if the authority has a presiding member).

(6)

An assistant to the executive of an authority is not a member of the executive of the authority.

(7)

Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities) does not apply to a local authority's function of making appointments under sub-paragraph (3)(b).”