What governance structure was predominantly replaced by executive arrangements after the Local Government Act 2000?

The governance structure that was predominantly replaced by executive arrangements after the Local Government Act 2000 is the old-style committee arrangement.

The Local Government Act 2000 introduced significant changes to the way local authorities in England operated. Before this legislation, many councils used a committee-based system where decisions were made collectively by committees that included several members. This often led to slower decision-making processes and reduced accountability, as decisions could be diluted through group discussions.

In contrast, the executive arrangements established under the Act allowed local authorities to appoint an executive leader or a cabinet system, which streamlined decision-making and improved efficiency. This shift was intended to make local governance more responsive and accountable, giving a clearer line of responsibility for decision-making to a smaller group of elected officials. This new framework aimed to enhance transparency and public engagement with local governance, marking a significant departure from the traditional committee structure.