Two more councillors have been welcomed on to the team at St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s cabinet to help maintain and improve services in challenging times.

Borough council leader John Griffiths outlined changes to the cabinet at last Thursday’s annual meeting in Bury St Edmunds.

Alaric Pugh joins Terry Clements in an expanded transport, planning and economic development portfolio and Sarah Stamp has taken on responsibility for arts and culture.

Mr Griffiths said the appointments would strengthen the team and encourage new ways of working.

He said: “These are two welcome additions to strengthen the team on St Edmundsbury’s cabinet to reflect our desire to preserve and improve all the wonderful things we have here in St Edmundsbury, while seeking to manage inevitable and desirable growth.”

He added: “There’s no question, with the significant economic challenges we all face, we have to do more with less. I’m sure with these changes we will be able to keep council tax to a minimum while maintaining the quality of the services for the people we serve in St Edmundsbury.”

Peter Stevens remains portfolio holder for environment and waste, Robert Everitt for community, Dave Ray for performance and resources and Anne Gower for housing and social care. Sarah Mildmay-White was reappointed deputy leader with special responsibility for health and well-being. Mr Everitt has been given special responsibility for Bury, Mr Stevens for St Edmundsbury’s villages and rural areas and Mrs Gower for Haverhill.

Details of the portfolios are being finalised and will be announced later. Also at the borough council’s annual meeting, the final draft of the Vision 2031 documents – which outline the blueprint for future growth in Bury, Haverhill and the rural areas – were approved, with some minor amendments, for public consultation.

The new pay and reward strategy for staff across the borough council and Forest Heath District Council was also approved.