NEW chairman of Herefordshire Council is John Stone who has said he wanted to work on better relationships between them and the county's parish councils.

Councillor John Beris Williams was elected at the first meeting of the new authority as vice-chairman of the council.

In accepting his unopposed appointment as council leader, Councillor Roger Phillips referred to the growing gap between haves and have-nots across the county.

"Herefordshire is a wonderful place to live if you have the income to match. It's a challenging place to live if you don't have that income," he said.

Coun Phillips told members that the council faced cash challenges of its own receiving roughly 20% less in funding from Whitehall than the average unitary authority, with schools the third poorest funded per pupil in the country.

He stressed the importance of making local government relevant and of value with four hard years ahead - given the agenda set by central government.

"This council, and what it does, has a far greater impact on life here than anything done in Whitehall," he said.

Councillor June French will be deputy leader of the council. The cabinet and other senior appointments were as outlined in the Hereford Times edition of May 17.

Scrutiny Committee chairs were also confirmed at Friday's meeting. They are: Strategic Monitoring: Chairman - Councillor Phil Edwards. Vice-Chairman - Councillor Sebastian Bowen.

Adult Social Care and Strategic Housing: Chairman- Councillor Polly Andrews. Vice-Chairman - Councillor Sebastian Bowen.

Children's Services: Chairman - Councillor Sally Robertson. Vice-Chairman - Councillor Ursula Attfield.

Environment: Chairman - Councillor Bob Matthews. Vice-Chairman - Councillor Keith Grumbley.

Health: Chairman - Councillor Kay Swinburne. Vice-Chairman -Councillor Sylvia Daniels Community Services: Chairman - Councillor Terry James. Vice-Chairman - Councillor Richard Smith.